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TheTragedyofJuliusCaesar
Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011.
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar

Act1,Scene1

10

EnterFLAVIUS,MURELLUS,aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andcertain

FLAVIUSandMURELLUSenterandspeakto

otherCOMMONERSoverthestage

aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andsomeothercommoners.

FLAVIUS

FLAVIUS

Hence!Home,youidlecreaturesgetyouhome!

Getoutofhere!Gohome,youlazymen.What,istodaya

Isthisaholiday?What,knowyounot,

holiday?Dontyouknowthatworkingmenarentsupposed

Beingmechanical,yououghtnotwalk

towalkaroundonaworkdaywithoutwearingtheirwork

Uponalaboringdaywithoutthesign

clothes?Youthere,speakup.Whatsyouroccupation?

Ofyourprofession?Speak,whattradeartthou?

CARPENTER

CARPENTER

Why,sir,acarpenter.

Imacarpenter,sir.

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

Whereisthyleatherapronandthyrule?

Whereareyourleatherapronandyourruler?Whatareyou

Whatdostthouwiththybestapparelon?

doing,wearingyourbestclothes?Andyou,sir,

You,sir,whattradeareyou?

whatsyourtrade?

COBBLER

COBBLER

Truly,sir,inrespectofafineworkman,Iambut,asyouwouldsay,acobbler.

Well,comparedtoafineworkman,youmightcallmeamere
cobbler.

15

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

Butwhattradeartthou?Answermedirectly.

Butwhatsyourtrade?Answermestraightforwardly.

COBBLER

COBBLER

Atrade,sir,thatIhopeImayusewithasafeconscience,whichis,indeed,sir,

Itisatrade,sir,thatIpracticewithaclearconscience.Iama

amenderofbadsoles.

menderofwornsoles.

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

Whattrade,thouknave?Thounaughtyknave,whattrade?

Whattrade,boy?Youinsolentrascal,whattrade?

COBBLER

COBBLER

Nay,Ibeseechyou,sir,benotoutwithme.Yet,ifyoubeout,sir,Icanmend

Sir,please,dontbeangry.Butifyoursolesarewornout,I

you.

canmendyou.

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

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Whatmeanstthoubythat?Mendme,thousaucyfellow?

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Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Mendme,youmpertinent
fellow?!

20

COBBLER

COBBLER

Why,sir,cobbleyou.

Cobbleyou,sir.

FLAVIUS

FLAVIUS

Thouartacobbler,artthou?

Youreacobbler,areyou?

COBBLER

COBBLER

Truly,sir,allthatIlivebyiswiththeawl.Imeddlewithnotradesmansmatters

Sir,Imakemylivingusinganawl.IsticktomyworkIdont

norwomensmatters,butwithalIamindeed,sir,asurgeontooldshoes.When

meddleinpoliticsorchasewomen.Imasurgeontoold

theyareingreatdanger,Irecoverthem.Aspropermenasevertrodupon

shoes.Whentheyreendangered,Isavethem.Thenoblest

neatsleatherhavegoneuponmyhandiwork.

menwhoeverwalkedonleatherhavewalkedonmy
handiwork.

FLAVIUS

FLAVIUS

Butwhereforeartnotinthyshoptoday?

Butwhyarentyouinyourshoptoday?Whyareyouleading

Whydostthouleadthesemenaboutthestreets?

thesementhroughthestreets?

COBBLER

COBBLER

Truly,sir,towearouttheirshoestogetmyselfintomorework.Butindeed,sir,

Well,towearouttheirshoesandgetmyselfmorework.

wemakeholidaytoseeCaesarandtorejoiceinhistriumph.

Seriously,though,wetookthedayofftoseeCaesar,sir,and
celebratehistriumph.

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40

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

Whereforerejoice?Whatconquestbringshehome?

Whywouldyoucelebrateit?Whatvictorydoeshebring

WhattributariesfollowhimtoRome

home?Whatforeignlandshasheconqueredandcaptive

Tograceincaptivebondshischariotwheels?

foreignerschainedtohischariotwheels?Youblockheads,

Youblocks,youstones,youworsethansenselessthings,

youunfeelingmen!Youhardhearts,youcruelmenofRome,

Oyouhardhearts,youcrulmenofRome,

didntyouknowPompey?Manytimesyouclimbedupon

KnewyounotPompey?Manyatimeandoft

wallsandbattlements,towersandwindowsevenchimney

Haveyouclimbeduptowallsandbattlements,

topswithyourbabiesinyourarms,andsattherepatiently

Totowersandwindows,yea,tochimneytops,

alldaywaitingtoseegreatPompeyridethroughthestreets

Yourinfantsinyourarms,andtherehavesat

ofRome.Andwhenyoucaughtaglimpseofhischariot,

Thelivelongdaywithpatientexpectation

didntyoushoutsoloudthattheriverTibershookasit

ToseegreatPompeypassthestreetsofRome.

echoed?Andnowyouputonyourbestclothes?Andnow

Andwhenyousawhischariotbutappear,

youtakeaholiday?

Haveyounotmadeanuniversalshout
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ThatTibertrembledunderneathherbanks

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Tohearthereplicationofyoursounds
Madeinherconcaveshores?
Anddoyounowputonyourbestattire?
Anddoyounowculloutaholiday?

50

Anddoyounowstrewflowersinhisway

AndnowyoutossflowersinthepathofCaesar,whocomes

ThatcomesintriumphoverPompeysblood?

intriumphoverPompeysdefeatedsons?Gohome!Runto

Begone!

yourhouses,fallonyourknees,andpraytothegodsto

Runtoyourhouses,falluponyourknees,

spareyouthepainthatyoudeserveforsuchingratitude.

Praytothegodstointermittheplague
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65

Thatneedsmustlightonthisingratitude.

FLAVIUS

FLAVIUS

Go,go,goodcountrymen,andforthisfault,

Go,go,goodcountrymen,andtomakeupforhavingdone

Assembleallthepoormenofyoursort,

wrong,gatherupallthepoormenlikeyourselves,leadthem

DrawthemtoTiberbanks,andweepyourtears

totheTiber,andweepintotheriveruntilitoverflowsits

Intothechanneltilltheloweststream

banks.

Dokissthemostexaltedshoresofall.
ExeuntCARPENTER,COBBLER,andalltheothercommoners

TheCARPENTER,COBBLER,andallthecommonersexit.

Seewhethertheirbasestmetalbenotmoved.

Well,thatoughttomoveeventhemostthickheadedofthem.

Theyvanishtonguetiedintheirguiltiness.

Theretheygo,feelingsoguiltytheyrenowtonguetied

GoyoudownthatwaytowardstheCapitol.

theydonthaveathingtosay.Yougodowntowardthe

ThiswaywillI.Disrobetheimages

Capitol,andIllgothisway.Undressthestatuesiftheyre

Ifyoudofindthemdeckedwithceremonies.

decoratedinhonorofCaesar.

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

Maywedoso?

Canwedothat?YouknowitsthefeastofLupercal.

YouknowitisthefeastofLupercal.

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FLAVIUS

FLAVIUS

Itisnomatter.Letnoimages

Itdoesntmatter.Makesurethatnoneofthestatuesare

BehungwithCaesarstrophies.Illabout

decoratedintributetoCaesar.Illwalkaroundandforcethe

Anddriveawaythevulgarfromthestreets.

commonersoffthestreets.Youdothesame,whereverthe

Sodoyoutoo,whereyouperceivethemthick.

crowdsarethick.IfwetakeawayCaesarssupport,hell

ThesegrowingfeatherspluckedfromCaesarswing

havetocomebackdowntoearthotherwise,hellflytoohigh

Willmakehimflyanordinarypitch,

andkeeptherestofusinastateoffearandobedience.

Whoelsewouldsoarabovetheviewofmen
75

Andkeepusallinservilefearfulness.

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Act1,Scene2
Exeuntseverally

Theyexitindifferentdirections.

FlourishEnterCAESAR,ANTONY,dressedforthe

Atrumpetsounds.CAESARenters,followedbyANTONY,

course,CALPHURNIA,PORTIA,DECIUS,CICERO,BRUTUS,CASSIUS,CA

dressedformallyforafootrace,

SCA,andaSOOTHSAYERinathrongofplebians.Afterthem,MURELLUS

thenCALPHURNIA,PORTIA,DECIUS,CICERO,BRUTUS,

andFLAVIUS

CASSIUS,andCASCA.Agreatcrowdfollows,amongthem
aSOOTHSAYER.

10

CAESAR

CAESAR

Calphurnia!

Calphurnia!

CASCA

CASCA

Peace,ho!Caesarspeaks.

Quiet!Caesarstalking.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Calphurnia!

Calphurnia!

CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Here,mylord.

Imhere,mylord.

CAESAR

CAESAR

StandyoudirectlyinAntonius'way

StandrightinAntoniusspathwhenherunstherace.

Whenhedothrunhiscourse.Antonius!

Antonius!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Caesar,mylord.

Yes,Caesar?

CAESAR

CAESAR

Forgetnotinyourspeed,Antonius,

Antonius,afteryoutakeoff,dontforgettotouchCalphurnia,

TotouchCalphurnia,forourelderssay

becauseourwiseelderssaythatifyoutouchaninfertile

Thebarren,touchdinthisholychase,

womanduringthisholyrace,shellbefreedfromthecurseof

Shakeofftheirsterilecurse.

sterility.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Ishallremember.

Illremember.WhenCaesarsaysdothis,itisdone.

WhenCaesarsays,dothis,itisperformed.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Seton,andleavenoceremonyout.

Continue,then,anddontforgettoperformalloftherituals.

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Music

Atrumpetplays.

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

Caesar!

Caesar!

CAESAR

CAESAR

Ha!Whocalls?

Whoscallingme?

CASCA

CASCA

Bideverynoisebestill.Peaceyetagain.

Quiet,everyone!Quiet!

Musicceases

Thetrumpetstopsplaying.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Whoisitinthepressthatcallsonme?

Whointhecrowdiscallingme?Ihearavoicemorepiercing

Ihearatongue,shrillerthanallthemusic,

thanthemusicofthesetrumpetscallingCaesar!Speak.

CryCaesar!Speak.Caesaristurnedtohear.

Caesarislistening.

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

BewaretheidesofMarch.

BewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Whatmanisthat?

Whosthat?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

AsoothsayerbidsyoubewaretheidesofMarch.

AsoothsayertellsyoutobewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Sethimbeforeme.Letmeseehisface.

Bringhiminfrontofme.Letmeseehisface.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Fellow,comefromthethrong.LookuponCaesar.

You,fellow,stepoutofthecrowd.ThisisCaesaryoure
lookingat.

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SOOTHSAYERapproaches

TheSOOTHSAYERapproaches.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Whatsaystthoutomenow?Speakonceagain.

Whatdoyouhavetosaytomenow?Speakonceagain.

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

BewaretheidesofMarch.

BewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Heisadreamer.Letusleavehim.Pass!

Hesinsane.Letsleavehim.Letsmove.

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Sennet.Exeunt.ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS

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Trumpetsplay.Everyoneexits
exceptBRUTUSandCASSIUS.

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CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Willyougoseetheorderofthecourse?

Areyougoingtowatchtherace?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

NotI.

Notme.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iprayyou,do.

Please,come.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iamnotgamesome.Idolacksomepart

Idontlikesports.ImnotcompetitivelikeAntony.Butdont

OfthatquickspiritthatisinAntony.

letmekeepyoufromgoing,Cassius.Illgomyownway.

Letmenothinder,Cassius,yourdesires.
Illleaveyou.

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CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Brutus,Idoobserveyounowoflate

Brutus,Ivebeenwatchingyoulately.Youseemlessgood

Ihavenotfromyoureyesthatgentleness

naturedandaffectionatetowardmethanusual.Youvebeen

AndshowofloveasIwaswonttohave.

stubbornandunfamiliarwithme,yourfriendwholovesyou.

Youbeartoostubbornandtoostrangeahand
Overyourfriendthatlovesyou.

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BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Cassius,

Cassius,donttakeitbadly.IfIseemguarded,itsonly

Benotdeceived.IfIhaveveiledmylook,

becauseImuneasywithmyself.LatelyIvebeen

Iturnthetroubleofmycountenance

overwhelmedwithprivatethoughtsandinnerconflicts,which

Merelyuponmyself.VexdIam

haveaffectedmybehavior.Butthisshouldnttroublemy

Oflatewithpassionsofsomedifference,

goodfriendsandIconsideryouagoodfriend,Cassius.

Conceptionsonlypropertomyself,

Dontthinkanythingmoreaboutmydistractionthanthatpoor

Whichgivesomesoilperhapstomybehaviors.

Brutus,whoisatwarwithhimself,forgetstoshowaffection

Butletnottherefore,mygoodfriends,begrieved

toothers.

Amongwhichnumber,Cassius,beyouone
Norconstrueanyfurthermyneglect
ThanthatpoorBrutus,withhimselfatwar,
Forgetstheshowsoflovetoothermen.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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Then,Brutus,Ihavemuchmistookyourpassion,

Brutus,Imisunderstoodyourfeelings,andthereforekeptto

Bymeanswhereofthisbreastofminehathburied

myselfcertainthoughtsImighthaveshared.Tellme,good

Thoughtsofgreatvalue,worthycogitations.

Brutus,canyouseeyourface?

Tellme,goodBrutus,canyouseeyourface?

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BRUTUS

BRUTUS

No,Cassius,fortheeyeseesnotitself

No,Cassius.Theeyecantseeitself,exceptbyreflectionin

Butbyreflection,bysomeotherthings.

othersurfaces.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

'Tisjust.

Thatstrue.Anditstoobad,Brutus,thatyoudonthaveany

Anditisverymuchlamented,Brutus,

mirrorsthatcoulddisplayyourhiddenexcellencetoyourself.

Thatyouhavenosuchmirrorsaswillturn

IveheardmanyofthenoblestRomansnexttoimmortal

Yourhiddenworthinessintoyoureye

Caesarspeakingofyou,complainingofthetyrannyof

Thatyoumightseeyourshadow.Ihaveheard

todaysgovernment,andwishingthatyoureyeswere

WheremanyofthebestrespectinRome,

workingbetter.

ExceptimmortalCaesar,speakingofBrutus
Andgroaningunderneaththisagesyoke,
HavewishedthatnobleBrutushadhiseyes.

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BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Intowhatdangerswouldyouleadme,Cassius,

Whatdangersareyoutryingtoleadmeinto,Cassius,that

Thatyouwouldhavemeseekintomyself

youwantmetolookinsidemyselfforsomethingthatsnot

Forthatwhichisnotinme?

there?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Therefore,goodBrutus,bepreparedtohear.

Illtellyou,goodBrutus.Andsinceyouknowyoucansee

Andsinceyouknowyoucannotseeyourself

yourselfbestbyreflection,Illbeyourmirrorandshowyou,

Sowellasbyreflection,I,yourglass,

withoutexaggeration,thingsinsideyouthatyoucantsee.

Willmodestlydiscovertoyourself

Anddontbesuspiciousofme,nobleBrutus.IfIwereyour

Thatofyourselfwhichyouyetknownotof.

averagefool,orifImademyfeelingsforyouworthlessby

Andbenotjealousonme,gentleBrutus.

makingthesamepromisesoffriendshiptoeverybody,orif

WereIacommonlaugher,ordiduse

youdseenmefirstflatteringmen,huggingthemtightly,and

Tostalewithordinaryoathsmylove

laterslanderingthembehindtheirbacks,orifyouhearthatI

Toeverynewprotester,ifyouknow

drunkenlydeclarefriendshipatbanquetswithalltherabble,

ThatIdofawnonmenandhugthemhard

onlythen,ofcourse,goaheadandassumeImdangerous.

And,after,scandalthem,orifyouknow
ThatIprofessmyselfinbanqueting
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Toalltherout,thenholdmedangerous.

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Flourish,andshoutwithin

Trumpetsplayoffstage,andthenashoutisheard.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whatmeansthisshouting?Idofear,thepeople

Whyaretheyshouting?Imafraidthepeoplehavemade

ChooseCaesarfortheirking.

Caesartheirking.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ay,doyoufearit?

Really,areyouafraidofthat?ThenIhavetoassumeyou

ThenmustIthinkyouwouldnothaveitso.

dontwanthimtobeking.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iwouldnot,Cassius.YetIlovehimwell.

Idont,Cassius,thoughIloveCaesarverymuch.Butwhydo

Butwhereforedoyouholdmeheresolong?

youkeepmeheresolong?Whatdoyouwanttotellme?If

Whatisitthatyouwouldimparttome?

itsforthegoodofallRomans,Iddoitevenifitmeantmy

Ifitbeaughttowardthegeneralgood,

death.LetthegodsgivemegoodluckonlyaslongasIlove

Sethonorinoneeyeanddeathi'th'other,

honormorethanIfeardeath.

AndIwilllookonbothindifferently,
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ForletthegodssospeedmeasIlove
ThenameofhonormorethanIfeareath.

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CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iknowthatvirtuetobeinyou,Brutus,

Iknowthisqualityinyou,Brutusitsasfamiliartomeas

AswellasIdoknowyouroutwardfavor.

yourface.Indeed,honoriswhatIwanttotalktoyouabout.I

Well,honoristhesubjectofmystory.

dontknowwhatyouandothermenthinkofthislife,butas

Icannottellwhatyouandothermen

forme,Idrathernotliveatallthanlivetoworshipamanas

Thinkofthislife,but,formysingleself,

ordinaryasmyself.IwasbornasfreeasCaesar.Sowere

Ihadasliefnotbeaslivetobe

you.Webothhaveeatenaswell,andwecanbothendure

InaweofsuchathingasImyself.

thecoldwinteraswellashe.Once,onacoldandwindyday,

IwasbornfreeasCaesar.Sowereyou.

whentheriverTiberwascrashingagainstitsbanks,Caesar

Webothhavefedaswell,andwecanboth

saidtome,Cassius,Idareyoutojumpintothisroughwater

Endurethewinterscoldaswellashe.

withmeandswimtothatpointthere.Assoonashespoke,

Foronceuponarawandgustyday,

thoughIwasfullydressed,Iplungedinandcalledforhimto

ThetroubledTiberchafingwithhershores,

follow.Andhedid.Thewaterroared,andwefoughtagainst

Caesarsaidtome,Darestthou,Cassius,now

itwithvigorousarms.And,thankstoourfierce

Leapinwithmeintothisangryflood

competitiveness,wemadeprogress.Butbeforewereached

Andswimtoyonderpoint?Upontheword,

theendpoint,Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIwillsink!

AccoutredasIwas,Iplungdin

AndjustasAeneas,theherowhofoundedRome,emerged

Andbadehimfollow.Soindeedhedid.

fromthefiresofTroywithhiselderlyfatherAnchisesonhis

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Thetorrentroared,andwedidbuffetit

shoulder,soIemergedfromtheTibercarryingthetired

Withlustysinews,throwingitaside

Caesar.

Andstemmingitwithheartsofcontroversy.
Buterewecouldarrivethepointproposed,
Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIsink!
I,asAeneas,ourgreatancestor,
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DidfromtheflamesofTroyuponhisshoulder
TheoldAnchisesbear,sofromthewavesofTiber
DidIthetiredCaesar.Andthisman

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125

Isnowbecomeagod,andCassiusis

Andthisisthemanwhohasnowbecomeagod,andIma

Awretchedcreatureandmustbendhisbody

wretchedcreaturewhomustbowdownifCaesarsomuchas

IfCaesarcarelesslybutnodonhim.

carelesslynodsmyway.InSpain,Caesarhadafever,andit

HehadafeverwhenhewasinSpain,

madehimshake.Itstrue,thissocalledgodheshook.

Andwhenthefitwasonhim,Ididmark

Hiscowardlylipsturnedwhite,andthesameeyewhose

Howhedidshake.'Tistrue,thisgoddidshake!

gazeterrifiestheworldlostitsgleam.Iheardhimgroan

Hiscowardlipsdidfromtheircolorfly,

yes,IdidandthesametonguethatorderedtheRomansto

Andthatsameeyewhosebenddothawetheworld

obeyhimandtranscribehisspeechesintheirbookscried,

Didlosehisluster.Ididhearhimgroan,

Givemesomewater,Titinius,likeasickgirl.Itastounds

Ay,andthattongueofhisthatbadetheRomans

methatsuchaweakmancouldbeatthewholeworldand

Markhimandwritehisspeechesintheirbooks

carrythetrophyofvictoryalone.

Alas,itcried,givemesomedrink,Titinius,
130

Asasickgirl.Yegods,itdothamazeme
Amanofsuchafeebletempershould
Sogetthestartofthemajesticworld
Andbearthepalmalone.

135

Shoutwithin.Flourish

Ashoutoffstage.Trumpetsplay.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Anothergeneralshout!

Moreshouting!Ithinkthisapplauseisforsomenewhonors

Idobelievethattheseapplausesare

awardedtoCaesar.

ForsomenewhonorsthatareheapedonCaesar.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Why,man,hedothbestridethenarrowworld

Why,Caesarstraddlesthenarrowworldlikeagiant,andwe

LikeaColossus,andwepettymen

pettymenwalkunderhishugelegsandlookforwardonlyto

Walkunderhishugelegsandpeepabout

dyingdishonorably,asslaves.Mencanbemastersoftheir

Tofindourselvesdishonorablegraves.

fate.Itisnotdestinysfault,butourownfaults,thatwere

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10

Menatsometimearemastersoftheirfates.

slaves.BrutusandCaesar.Whatssospecialabout

Thefault,dearBrutus,isnotinourstars

Caesar?Whyshouldthatnamebeproclaimedmorethan

Butinourselves,thatweareunderlings.

yours?Writethemtogetheryoursisjustasgoodaname.

BrutusandCaesarwhatshouldbeinthatCaesar?

Pronouncethemitisjustasnicetosay.Weighthemits

Whyshouldthatnamebesoundedmorethanyours?

justasheavy.

Writethemtogether,yoursisasfairaname.
Soundthem,itdothbecomethemouthaswell.
Weighthem,itisasheavy.Conjurewith'em,

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BrutuswillstartaspiritassoonasCaesar.

Castspellswiththem,andBrutuswillcallupaghost

Nowinthenamesofallthegodsatonce,

aswellasCaesar.Now,inthenameofallthegods,I

UponwhatmeatdoththisourCaesarfeed

askyouwhatfooddoesCaesareatthathasmadehim

Thatheisgrownsogreat?Age,thouartshamed!

grow sogreat?Ourerashouldbeashamed!Romehas

Rome,thouhastlostthebreedofnoblebloods!

losttheabilitytoraisenoblemen!Whenwasthereever

Whenwenttherebyanage,sincethegreatflood,

anage,sincethebeginningoftime,thatdidntfeature

Butitwasfamedwithmorethanwithoneman?

morethanonefamousman?Untilnow,noonecouldsay

Whencouldtheysaytillnow,thattalkedofRome,

thatonlyonemanmatteredinallofvastRome.Now,

Thatherwidewalksencompassedbutoneman?

though,inallofRome,theresroomforonlyoneman.

NowisitRomeindeed,androomenough,

YouandIhaveheardourfatherstalkofanother

Whenthereisinitbutoneonlyman.

Brutusyourancestorwhowouldveletthedevil

Oh,youandIhaveheardourfatherssay,

himselfreigninhisRomanRepublicbeforeheletaking

TherewasaBrutusoncethatwouldhavebrooked

rule.

Th'eternaldeviltokeephisstateinRome
Aseasilyasaking.

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BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Thatyoudoloveme,Iamnothingjealous.

Ihavenodoubtthatyouloveme.Imbeginningto

Whatyouwouldworkmeto,Ihavesomeaim.

understandwhatyouwantmetodo.WhatIthinkabout

HowIhavethoughtofthisandofthesetimes

this,andaboutwhatshappeninghereinRome,Illtell

Ishallrecounthereafter.Forthispresent,

youlater.Fornow,donttrytopersuademeanymoreI

Iwouldnot,sowithloveImightentreatyou,

askyouasafriend.Illthinkoverwhatyouvesaid,Ill

Beanyfurthermoved.Whatyouhavesaid

listenpatientlytowhateverelseyouhavetosay,andIll

Iwillconsider,whatyouhavetosay

findagoodtimeforustodiscussfurthersuchweighty

Iwillwithpatiencehear,andfindatime

matters.Untilthen,mynoblefriend,thinkaboutthis:Id

Bothmeettohearandanswersuchhighthings.

ratherbeapoorvillagerthancallmyselfacitizenof

Tillthen,mynoblefriend,chewuponthis:

Romeunderthehardconditionsthatthistimeislikelyto

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11

putusthrough.

ThantoreputehimselfasonofRome
175

Underthesehardconditionsasthistime
Isliketolayuponus.

180

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iamgladthatmyweakwords

Imgladthatmyweakwordshaveprovokedeventhis

HavestruckbutthusmuchshowoffirefromBrutus.

smallshow ofprotestfromyou.

EnterCAESARandhistrain,whichincludesCASCA

CAESARenterswithhisfollowers,whoincludeCASCA.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.

ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Astheypassby,pluckCascabythesleeve,

Astheypassby,grabCascabythesleeve,andhelltellyou

Andhewill,afterhissourfashion,tellyou

ifanythingimportanthappenedtodayinhisusualsourway.

Whathathproceededworthynotetoday.

185

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iwilldoso.But,lookyou,Cassius,

Illdoso.Butlook,Cassius,Caesarlooksangryand

TheangryspotdothglowonCaesarsbrow,

everyoneelselooksasiftheyvebeenscolded.Calphurnias

Andalltherestlooklikeachiddentrain.

faceispale,andCiceroseyesareasredandfieryasthey

Calphurniascheekispale,andCicero

getwhensenatorsarearguingwithhimattheCapitol.

Lookswithsuchferretandsuchfieryeyes
AswehaveseenhimintheCapitol
Beingcrossedinconferencebysomesenators.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Cascawilltelluswhatthematteris.

Cascawilltelluswhatsthematter.

Duringtheexchange

Duringtheexchange

betweenCAESARandANTONY,BRUTUSpullsCASCAbythesleeve

betweenCAESARandANTONY,BRUTUSpullsCASCAby
thesleeve.

190

CAESAR

CAESAR

Antonio.

Antonio!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Caesar.

Caesar?

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12

CAESAR

CAESAR

(asidetoANTONY)Letmehavemenaboutmethatarefat,

(speakingsothatonlyANTONYcanhear)Iwantthemen

Sleekheadedmenandsuchassleepanights.

aroundmetobefat,healthylookingmenwhosleepatnight.

YondCassiushasaleanandhungrylook.

ThatCassiusovertherehasaleanandhungrylook.He

Hethinkstoomuch.Suchmenaredangerous.

thinkstoomuch.Menlikehimaredangerous.

ANTONY

ANTONY

(asidetoCAESAR)Fearhimnot,Caesar.Hesnotdangerous.

(speakingsothatonlyCAESARcanhear)Dontbeafraidof

HeisanobleRomanandwellgiven.

him,Caesar.Heisntdangerous.HesanobleRomanwitha
gooddisposition.

200

205

210

CAESAR

CAESAR

(asidetoANTONY)Wouldhewerefatter!ButIfearhimnot.

(speakingsothatonlyANTONYcanhear)Iwishhewere

Yetifmynamewereliabletofear,

fatter!ButImnotafraidofhim.Andyet,ifIwerecapableof

IdonotknowthemanIshouldavoid

fearinganyone,CassiuswouldbethefirstmanIdavoid.He

SosoonasthatspareCassius.Hereadsmuch.

readsalot,hesakeenobserver,andheseesthehidden

Heisagreatobserver,andhelooks

motivesinwhatmendo.Hedoesntlikeplaysthewayyou

Quitethroughthedeedsofmen.Helovesnoplays,

do,Antony.Hedoesntlistentomusic.Herarelysmiles,and

Asthoudost,Antony.Hehearsnomusic.

whenhedoessmile,hedoessoinaselfmockingway,asif

Seldomhesmiles,andsmilesinsuchasort

hescornshimselfforsmilingatall.Menlikehimwillneverbe

Asifhemockedhimselfandscornedhisspirit

comfortablewhilesomeonerankshigherthanthemselves,

Thatcouldbemovedtosmileatanything.

andthereforetheyreverydangerous.Imtellingyouwhat

Suchmenashebeneveratheartsease

shouldbefeared,notwhatIfearbecauseafterall,Iam

Whilestheybeholdagreaterthanthemselves,

Caesar.Comeovertomyrightside,becausethisearisdeaf,

Andthereforearetheyverydangerous.

andtellmewhatyoureallythinkofCassius.

Irathertelltheewhatistobefeared
ThanwhatIfear,foralwaysIamCaesar.
Comeonmyrighthand,forthisearisdeaf,
Andtellmetrulywhatthouthinkstofhim.

Sennet.ExeuntCAESARandallhistrainexceptCASCA

Trumpetsplay.CAESARexitswithallhisfollowers
exceptCASCA.

215

CASCA

CASCA

(toBRUTUS)

(toBRUTUS)Youtuggedonmycloak.Doyouwanttospeak

Youpulledmebythecloak.Wouldyouspeakwithme?

withme?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ay,Casca.Telluswhathathchancedtoday

Yes,Casca.TelluswhathappenedtodaythatputCaesarin

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13

ThatCaesarlookssosad.

suchaseriousmood.

CASCA

CASCA

Why,youwerewithhim,wereyounot?

Butyouwerewithhim,werentyou?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

IshouldnotthenaskCascawhathadchanced.

IfIwere,Iwouldntneedtoaskyouwhathappened.

CASCA

CASCA

Why,therewasacrownofferedhimand,beingofferedhim,heputitbywith

Acrownwasofferedtohim,andhepusheditawaywiththe

thebackofhishand,thusandthenthepeoplefellashouting.

backofhishand,likethisandthenthepeoplestarted
shouting.

225

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?

Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?

CASCA

CASCA

Why,forthattoo.

Thesamething.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Theyshoutedthrice.Whatwasthelastcryfor?

Theyshoutedthreetimes.Whatwasthelastcryfor?

CASCA

CASCA

Why,forthattoo.

Forthesamething.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Wasthecrownofferedhimthrice?

Thecrownwasofferedtohimthreetimes?

CASCA

CASCA

Ay,marry,wast,andheputitbythrice,everytimegentlerthanother,andat

Yes,indeed,itwas,andhepusheditawaythreetimes,each

everyputtingbyminehonestneighborsshouted.

timemoregentlythanthelastandateachrefusalmy
countrymenshouted.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Whoofferedhimthecrown?

Whoofferedhimthecrown?

CASCA

CASCA

Why,Antony.

Antony.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Tellusthemannerofit,gentleCasca.

Tellushowithappened,nobleCasca.

CASCA

CASCA

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14

Icanaswellbehangedastellthemannerofit.Itwasmerefoolery.Ididnot

Icantexplainit.ItwasallsillyandsoIpaidnoattention.I

markit.IsawMarkAntonyofferhimacrown(yettwasnotacrownneither,

sawMarkAntonyofferhimacrownthoughitwasntareal

twasoneofthesecoronets)and,asItoldyou,heputitbyoncebut,forall

crown,justasmallcircletand,asItoldyou,herefusedit

that,tomythinking,hewouldfainhavehadit.Thenheofferedittohimagain,

oncethoughinmyopinionhewouldvelikedtohaveit.

thenheputitbyagainbut,tomythinking,hewasveryloathtolayhisfingers

ThenAntonyofferedittohimagain,andherefuseditagain

offit.Andthenheoffereditthethirdtime.Heputitthethirdtimeby.Andstill,

(though,inmyopinion,hewasreluctanttotakehishandoff

asherefusedit,therabblementhootedandclappedtheirchappedhandsand

it).ThenAntonyoffereditthethirdtime.Herefuseditthe

threwuptheirsweatynightcapsandutteredsuchadealofstinkingbreath

thirdtime,andasherefuseditthecommonershootedand

becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatithadalmostchokedCaesarforhe

clappedtheirchappedhands,andthrewuptheirsweaty

swoonedandfelldownatit.Andformineownpart,Idurstnotlaughforfearof

hats,andletloosesuchagreatdealofstinkingbreath

openingmylipsandreceivingthebadair.

becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatitnearlychoked
Caesar,becausehefaintedandfelldown.Asformyself,I
didntdarelaugh,forfearofopeningmylipsandinhalingthe
stinkingair.

250

255

260

CASSIUS
Butsoft,Iprayyou.What,didCaesarswoon?

CASSIUS
Butwaitaminute,please.DidyousayCaesarfainted?

CASCA
Hefelldowninthemarketplace,andfoamedatmouth,andwasspeechless.

CASCA
Hefelldowninthemarketplaceandfoamedatthemouth
andwasspeechless.

BRUTUS
'Tisverylike.Hehaththefallingsickness.

BRUTUS
Thatsverylikely.Hehasepilepsy,adiseasewhereyoufall
down.

CASSIUS
No,Caesarhathitnot.ButyouandI
AndhonestCasca,wehavethefallingsickness.

CASSIUS
No,Caesardoesnthaveepilepsy.YouandI,andhonest
Casca,wehaveepilepsywevefallen.

CASCA
Iknownotwhatyoumeanbythat,butIamsureCaesarfelldown.Ifthetag
ragpeopledidnotclaphimandhisshimaccordingashepleasedand
displeasedthem,astheyusetodotheplayersinthetheatre,Iamnotrue
man.

CASCA
Idontknowwhatyoumeanbythat,butImsureCaesarfell
down.Therabbleapplaudedandhissedhimaccordingto
whetherhepleasedthemordispleasedthem,justlikethey
dotoactorsinthetheater.Iftheydidnt,Imaliar.

BRUTUS
Whatsaidhewhenhecameuntohimself?

BRUTUS
Whatdidhesaywhenheregainedconsciousness?

CASCA
Marry,beforehefelldown,whenheperceivedthecommonherdwasgladhe
refusedthecrown,hepluckedmeopehisdoubletandofferedthemhisthroat
tocut.AnIhadbeenamanofanyoccupation,ifIwouldnothavetakenhimat
aword,IwouldImightgotohellamongtherogues.Andsohefell.Whenhe
cametohimselfagain,hesaid,ifhehaddoneorsaidanythingamiss,he
desiredtheirworshipstothinkitwashisinfirmity.Threeorfourwencheswhere
Istoodcried,Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But
theresnoheedtobetakenofthem.IfCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothersthey
wouldhavedonenoless.

CASCA
Indeed,beforehefelldown,whenherealizedthe
commonersweregladherefusedthecrown,hepulledopen
hisrobeandofferedthemhisthroattocut.IfIdbeena
commonlaborerandhadnttakenhimuponhisoffer,tohell
withme.Andsohefainted.Whenheregained
consciousnessagain,hesaidthatifheddoneorsaid
anythingwrong,hewantedthemtoknowthatitwasall
becauseofhissickness.Threeorfourwomennearmecried,
Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But
nevermindthemifCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothers,they
wouldveforgivenhim.

BRUTUS
Andafterthathecamethussadaway?

BRUTUS
Andafterthathecamebackherelookingsoserious?

CASCA
Ay.

CASCA
Yes.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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15

DidCicerosayanything?

DidCicerosayanything?

CASCA

CASCA

Ay,hespokeGreek.

Yes,hesaidsomethinginGreek.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Towhateffect?

Whatdidhesay?

CASCA

CASCA

Nay,anItellyouthat,Illne'erlookyoui'th'faceagain.Butthosethat

IfItoldyouIunderstoodGreek,Idbelying.Butthosewho

understoodhimsmiledatoneanotherandshooktheirheads.But,formine

understoodhimsmiledatoneanotherandshooktheirheads.

ownpart,itwasGreektome.Icouldtellyoumorenewstoo.Murellusand

Asformyself,itwasGreektome.Ihavemorenewstoo.

Flavius,forpullingscarfsoffCaesarsimages,areputtosilence.Fareyou

MurellusandFlaviushavebeenpunishedforpullingscarves

well.Therewasmorefooleryyet,ifIcouldrememberit.

offstatuesofCaesar.Thereyougo.Therewasevenmore
foolishness,ifIcouldonlyrememberit.

285

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Willyousupwithmetonight,Casca?

Willyouhavedinnerwithmetonight,Casca?

CASCA

CASCA

No,Iampromisedforth.

No,Ihaveacommitment.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?

Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?

CASCA

CASCA

Ay,ifIbealiveandyourmindholdandyourdinnerworththeeating.

Yes,ifImstillalive,andyourestillsane,andyourdinneris
wortheating.

290

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Good.Iwillexpectyou.

Good.Illexpectyou.

CASCA

CASCA

Doso.Farewellboth.

Doso.Farewelltoyouboth.

ExitCASCA

CASCAexits.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whatabluntfellowisthisgrowntobe!

Whatastupidmanhesbecome!Hewassosharpwhenhe

Hewasquickmettlewhenhewenttoschool.

wasinschool.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Soishenowinexecution

Hesstillsharpwhenitcomestocarryingoutaboldornoble

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16

Ofanyboldornobleenterprise,

enterprise,thoughheputsonthisshowofstupidity.He

Howeverheputsonthistardyform.

speaksroughly,butwhathesaysissmart,andhis

Thisrudenessisasaucetohisgoodwit,

roughnessmakesotherpeopleenjoylisteningtohim.

Whichgivesmenstomachtodigesthiswords
Withbetterappetite.

300

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Andsoitis.ForthistimeIwillleaveyou.

Youreright,thatshowitis.Illleaveyoufornow.Ifyoudlike

Tomorrow,ifyoupleasetospeakwithme,

totalktomorrow,Illcometoyourhome.Or,ifyoudont

Iwillcomehometoyou.Or,ifyouwill,

mind,cometomyhome,andIllwaitforyou.

Comehometome,andIwillwaitforyou.

305

310

315

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iwilldoso.Tillthen,thinkoftheworld.

Illdoso.Untilthen,thinkaboutthewellbeingofRome.

ExitBRUTUS

BRUTUSexits.

Well,Brutus,thouartnoble.YetIsee

Well,Brutus,yourenoble.YetIseethatyourhonorable

Thyhonorablemettlemaybewrought

charactercanbebentfromitsusualshape,whichproves

Fromthatitisdisposed.Thereforeitismeet

thatgoodmenshouldstickonlytothecompanyofother

Thatnoblemindskeepeverwiththeirlikes,

goodmen,becausewhoissofirmthathecantbeseduced?

Forwhosofirmthatcannotbeseduced?

Caesarresentsme,buthelovesBrutus.IfIwereBrutusnow

Caesardothbearmehard,buthelovesBrutus.

andBrutuswereme,Iwouldnthavelethiminfluenceme.

IfIwereBrutusnowandhewereCassius,

TonightIllthrowthroughhiswindowafewlettersindifferent

Heshouldnothumorme.Iwillthisnight,

handwritingasiftheycamefromseveralcitizensall

Inseveralhands,inathiswindowsthrow,

testifyingtothegreatrespectRomanshaveforBrutus,and

Asiftheycamefromseveralcitizens,

allalludingtoCaesarsunseemlyambition.Andafterthis,let

Writingsalltendingtothegreatopinion

Caesarbracehimself,forwelleitherdethronehimorsuffer

ThatRomeholdsofhisname,whereinobscurely

evenworsethannow.

Caesarsambitionshallbeglancdat.
AndafterthisletCaesarseathimsure,
Forwewillshakehim,orworsedaysendure.

Exit

CASSIUSexits.

Thunderandlightning.EnterCASCAandCICERO

Thunderandlightning.CASCAandCICEROenter.

Act1,Scene3

LineOriginalText
CICERO

10

Modern Text

17

CICERO

Goodeven,Casca.BroughtyouCaesarhome?

Goodevening,Casca.DidyouaccompanyCaesarhome?

Whyareyoubreathless?Andwhystareyouso?

Whyareyoubreathless,andwhyareyoustaringlikethat?

CASCA

CASCA

Arenotyoumovedwhenalltheswayofearth

Arentyoudisturbedwhentheearthitselfisshakingand

Shakeslikeathingunfirm?OCicero,

swayingasifitwereaflimsything?Cicero,Iveseenstormsin

Ihaveseentempestswhenthescoldingwinds

whichtheangrywindssplitoldoaktrees,andIveseenthe

Haverivedtheknottyoaks,andIhaveseen

oceanswell,rage,andfoam,asifitwantedtoreachthestorm

Th'ambitiousoceanswellandrageandfoam

clouds,butneverbeforetonight,neveruntilnow,haveI

Tobeexaltedwiththethreateningclouds,

experiencedastormthatdropsfire.Eithertherearewarsin

Butnevertilltonight,nevertillnow,

heaven,orelsetheworld,tooinsolenttowardthegods,

DidIgothroughatempestdroppingfire.

provokesthemtosenddestruction.

Eitherthereisacivilstrifeinheaven,
Orelsetheworld,toosaucywiththegods,
Incensesthemtosenddestruction.
CICERO

CICERO

Why,sawyouanythingmorewonderful?

Whathaveyouseensomethingsostrangethatitisclearly
anomenfromthegods?

15

20

CASCA

CASCA

Acommonslaveyouknowhimwellbysight

Acommonslaveyoudknowhimifyousawhimhelduphis

Helduphislefthand,whichdidflameandburn

lefthand,whichflamedandburnedliketwentytorches

Liketwentytorchesjoined,andyethishand,

together.Andyethishandwasimmunetothefireanddidnt

Notsensibleoffire,remainedunscorched.

getburned.AlsoIvekeptmyswordunsheathedsinceIsaw

BesidesIha'notsinceputupmysword

thisinfrontoftheCapitolImetalionwholookedatmeand

AgainsttheCapitolImetalion,

struttedbywithoutbotheringtoattackme.Andtherewerea

Whoglareduponmeandwentsurlyby,

hundredspookedwomenhuddledtogetherinfearwhoswore

Withoutannoyingme.Andthereweredrawn

theysawmenonfirewalkupanddownthestreets.

Uponaheapahundredghastlywomen,
Transformdwiththeirfear,whosworetheysaw
25

Menallinfirewalkupanddownthestreets.
Andyesterdaythebirdofnightdidsit

30

Andyesterdaythenightowlsathootingandshriekinginthe

Evenatnoondayuponthemarketplace,

marketplaceatnoon.Whenalltheseextraordinarythings

Hootingandshrieking.Whentheseprodigies

happenatonce,weshouldntsay,Thesehappeningscanbe

Dosoconjointlymeet,letnotmensay,

explainedrationally.Theyrenaturalenough.Ithinkthese

Thesearetheirreasons.Theyarenatural.

thingsareomensofthingstocomeinourcountry.

ForIbelievetheyareportentousthings
Untotheclimatethattheypointupon.

35

CICERO

CICERO

Indeed,itisastrangedisposdtime.

Indeed,itsastrangetime.Butmentendtointerpretthings

Butmenmayconstruethingsaftertheirfashion,

howeversuitsthemandtotallymisstheactualmeaningofthe

Cleanfromthepurposeofthethingsthemselves.

thingsthemselves.IsCaesarvisitingtheCapitoltomorrow?

ComesCaesartotheCapitoltomorrow?

40

CASCA

CASCA

Hedoth,forhedidbidAntonius

Heis,becausehetoldAntoniustotellyouhedbethere

Sendwordtoyouhewouldbetheretomorrow.

tomorrow.

CICERO

CICERO

Goodnightthen,Casca.Thisdisturbdsky

Goodnightthen,Casca.Thisbadweatherisntgoodtowalk

Isnottowalkin.

aroundin.

CASCA

CASCA

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45

50

Modern Text

Farewell,Cicero.

Farewell,Cicero

ExitCICERO

CICEROexits.

EnterCASSIUS

CASSIUSenters.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Whosthere?

Whosthere?

CASCA

CASCA

ARoman.

ARoman.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Casca,byyourvoice.

ItsCascaIknowyourvoice.

CASCA

CASCA

Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatnightisthis!

Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatanightthisis!

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Averypleasingnighttohonestmen.

Itsaverypleasingnighttohonestmen.

CASCA

CASCA

Whoeverknewtheheavensmenaceso?

Whoeversawtheheavensthreatenlikethis?

18

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thosethathaveknowntheearthsofulloffaults.

Thosewhohaveknownhowbadthingsarehereonearth.I

Formypart,Ihavewalkedaboutthestreets,

havewalkedaroundthestreets,exposingmyselftothe

Submittingmeuntotheperilousnight,

perilousnight,unbuttonedlikethis,asyousee,Casca,baring

And,thusunbracd,Casca,asyousee,

mychesttothethunderbolt.Whentheforkedbluelightning

Havebaredmybosomtothethunderstone.

seemedtobreakopenthesky,IputmyselfrightwhereI

Andwhenthecrossbluelightningseemedtoopen

thoughtitwouldhit.

Thebreastofheaven,Ididpresentmyself
Evenintheaimandveryflashofit.

55

CASCA

CASCA

Butwhereforedidyousomuchtempttheheavens?

Butwhydidyoutempttheheavenslikethat?Mankindsroleis

Itisthepartofmentofearandtremble

tofearandtremblewhenthealmightygodssendwarning

Whenthemostmightygodsbytokenssend

signals.

Suchdreadfulheraldstoastonishus.

60

65

70

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Youaredull,Casca,andthosesparksoflife

Youreactingstupid,Casca,andyoulackthequickwitsthata

ThatshouldbeinaRomanyoudowant,

Romanshouldhaveorelseyoudontusethem.Yougopale,

Orelseyouusenot.Youlookpale,andgaze,

youstare,andyouactinaweofthestrangedisturbanceinthe

Andputonfear,andcastyourselfinwonder

heavens.Butifyouthoughtabouttherealreasonforallthese

Toseethestrangeimpatienceoftheheavens.

fires,alltheseglidingghosts,forwhybirdsandanimals

Butifyouwouldconsiderthetruecause

abandontheirnaturalbehavior,whyoldmen,fools,and

Whyallthesefires,whyalltheseglidingghosts,

childrenmakepredictions,whyallsortsofthingshave

Whybirdsandbeastsfromqualityandkind,

departedfromtheusualcourseoftheirnaturesandbecome

Whyoldmenfoolandchildrencalculate,

monstrosities,thenyoudunderstandthatheavenhadthem

Whyallthesethingschangefromtheirordinance

actthiswaysotheywouldserveasfrighteningwarningsofan

Theirnaturesandpreformdfaculties

unnaturalstatetocome.Rightthisminute,Casca,Icould

Tomonstrousqualitywhy,youshallfind

nameamanwhosjustlikethisdreadfulnight.Amanwho

Thatheavenhathinfusedthemwiththesespirits

thunders,throwslightning,splitsopengraves,androarslike

Tomaketheminstrumentsoffearandwarning

thelionintheCapitol.

Untosomemonstrousstate.
NowcouldI,Casca,nametotheeaman
Mostlikethisdreadfulnight,
75

Thatthunders,lightens,opensgraves,androars

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19

AsdoththelionintheCapitol
Amannomightierthanthyselforme

AmannomightierthanyouorIinability,yetgrownashuge

Inpersonalaction,yetprodigiousgrown,

andfrighteningastonightsstrangehappenings.

Andfearfulasthesestrangeeruptionsare.

80

85

CASCA

CASCA

'TisCaesarthatyoumean.Isitnot,Cassius?

YouretalkingaboutCaesar,right,Cassius?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Letitbewhoitis.ForRomansnow

Letitbewhoitis.Romanstodaystillhavethepowerfulbodies

Havethewsandlimbsliketotheirancestors,

oftheirancestors,but,unfortunately,wedonthavetheir

Butwoethewhile!ourfathers'mindsaredead,

manlyspirits,andinsteadwetakeafterourmothers.Our

Andwearegovernedwithourmothers'spirits.

toleranceforslaveryandoppressionshowsustobeweak,like

Ouryokeandsufferanceshowuswomanish.

women.

CASCA

CASCA

Indeed,they saythesenatorstomorrow

Indeed,theysaythatthesenatorsplantoestablishCaesaras

MeantoestablishCaesarasaking,

akingtomorrow,andhellwearhiscrownatseaandonland

Andheshallwearhiscrownbyseaandland

everywhereexcepthereinItaly.

IneveryplacesavehereinItaly.
CASSIUS
90

95

CASSIUS

IknowwhereIwillwearthisdaggerthen.

IknowwhereIllwearthisdagger,then.Illkillmyselftosave

CassiusfrombondagewilldeliverCassius.

myselffromslavery.Insuicide,godsmaketheweakstrong.In

Therein,yegods,youmaketheweakmoststrong.

suicide,godsallowtyrantstobedefeated.Nostony tower,no

Therein,yegods,youtyrantsdodefeat.

brasswalls,noairlessdungeon,noironchainscancontaina

Norstonytower,norwallsofbeatenbrass,

strongmind.Butifamanbecomeswearyoftheseobstacles,

Norairlessdungeon,norstronglinksofiron

hecanalwayskillhimself.Leteveryonebeware:Icanshake

Canberetentivetothestrengthofspirit.

offthetyrannythatnowoppressesmewheneverIchoose.

Butlife,beingwearyoftheseworldlybars,
Neverlackspowertodismissitself.
IfIknowthis,knowalltheworldbesides,
100

ThatpartoftyrannythatIdobear
Icanshakeoffatpleasure.
Thunderstill

Thundercontinues.

CASCA

CASCA

SocanI.

SocanI.Infact,everyimprisonedmanholdsinhisownhand

Soeverybondmaninhisownhandbears

thetooltofreehimself.

Thepowertocancelhiscaptivity.
CASSIUS
105

110

AndwhyshouldCaesarbeatyrantthen?

HowcanCaesarbeatyrantthen?Poorman!Iknowhe

Poorman!Iknowhewouldnotbeawolf

wouldntbeawolfiftheRomansdidntactlikesheep.He

ButthatheseestheRomansarebutsheep.

couldntbealioniftheRomanswerentsucheasyprey.

HewerenolionwerenotRomanshinds.

Peoplewhowanttostartabigfirequicklystartwithlittletwigs.

Thosethatwithhastewillmakeamightyfire

Romebecomescompletetrash,nothingbutrubbishand

Beginitwithweakstraws.WhattrashisRome,

garbage,whenitworkstolightuptheambitionsofsomeone

Whatrubbishandwhatoffal,whenitserves

asworthlessasCaesar.But,ohno!WhathaveIsaidinmy

Forthebasemattertoilluminate

grief?Imightbespeakingtosomeonewhowantstobea

SovileathingasCaesar!But,Ogrief,

slave,inwhichcaseIllbeheldaccountableformywords.But

Wherehastthouledme?Iperhapsspeakthis

ImarmedandIdontcareaboutdanger.

Beforeawillingbondman.ThenIknow
115

CASSIUS

Myanswermustbemade.ButIamarmed,
Anddangersaretomeindifferent.

LineOriginalText
CASCA

120

Modern Text

20

CASCA

YouspeaktoCasca,andtosuchaman

YouretalkingtoCasca,nottosomesmiling,twofaced

Thatisnofleeringtelltale.Hold,myhand.

tattletale.Saynomore.Shakemyhand.Ifyourejoining

Befactiousforredressofallthesegriefs,

togethertorightthesewrongs,Illgoasfarasanyoneofyou.

AndIwillsetthisfootofmineasfar
Aswhogoesfarthest.

125

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Theresabargainmade.

Thatsadeal.Nowletmetellyou,Casca,Ihavealready

Nowknowyou,Casca,Ihavemovedalready

convincedsomeofthenoblestRomanstojoinmeinan

SomecertainofthenoblestmindedRomans

honorablebutdangerousmission.AndIknowthatbynow

Toundergowithmeanenterprise

theyrewaitingformeontheporchoutsidePompeystheater.

Ofhonorabledangerousconsequence.

Weremeetingonthisfearfulnightbecausenooneisouton

AndIdoknowbythistheystayforme

thestreets.Theskytonightlooksbloody,fiery,andterrible,

InPompeysporch.Fornow,thisfearfulnight,

justliketheworkwehavetodo.

Thereisnostirorwalkinginthestreets,
Andthecomplexionoftheelement
130

Infavorsliketheworkwehaveinhand,
Mostbloody,fiery,andmostterrible.
EnterCINNA

135

140

CINNAenters.

CASCA

CASCA

Standcloseawhile,forherecomesoneinhaste.

Hideforaminutesomeonesapproachingfast.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

'TisCinna.Idoknowhimbyhisgait.

ItsCinna.Irecognizehiswalk.Hesafriend.Cinna,whereare

Heisafriend.Cinna,wherehasteyouso?

yougoinginsuchahurry?

CINNA

CINNA

Tofindoutyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber?

Tofindyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

No,itisCasca,oneincorporate

No,itsCasca,someonewhosgoingtoworkwithus.Arent

Toourattempts.AmInotstayedfor,Cinna?

theotherswaitingforme,Cinna?

CINNA

CINNA

Iamgladont.Whatafearfulnightisthis!

ImgladCascaiswithus.Whatafearfulnightthisis!Twoor

Therestwoorthreeofushaveseenstrangesights.

threeofushaveseenstrangethings.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

AmInotstayedfor?Tellme.

Aretheotherswaiting?Tellme.

CINNA

CINNA

Yes,youare.

Yes,theyare.Oh,Cassius,ifyoucouldonlyconvinceBrutus

OCassius,ifyoucould

tojoinus

ButwinthenobleBrutustoourparty

145

150

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Beyoucontent.GoodCinna,takethispaper,

Dontworry.GoodCinna,takethispaperandbesuretolayit

Andlookyoulayitinthepraetorschair

inthejudgeschairwhereBrutussits,sohellfindit.Andthrow

WhereBrutusmaybutfindit.Andthrowthis

thisoneinhiswindow,andattachthisonewithwaxtothe

Inathiswindow.Setthisupwithwax

statueofBrutussancestor,oldBrutus.Whenyouvefinished

UponoldBrutus'statue.Allthisdone,

allthis,returntotheporchofPompeystheater,whereyoull

RepairtoPompeysporch,whereyoushallfindus.

findus.AreDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere?

IsDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere?
CINNA

CINNA

AllbutMetellusCimber,andhesgone

EveryonesthereexceptMetellusCimber,andhesgoneto

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155

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21

Toseekyouatyourhouse.Well,Iwillhie,

lookforyouatyourhouse.Well,Illhurryandputthesepapers

Andsobestowthesepapersasyoubademe.

whereyoutoldme.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thatdone,repairtoPompeystheatre.

Whenyouvefinished,gobacktoPompeystheater.

ExitCINNA

CINNAexits.

Come,Casca,youandIwillyetereday

Comeon,Casca,youandIwillgoseeBrutusathishouse

SeeBrutusathishouse.Threepartsofhim

beforesunrise.Hesthreequartersonoursidealready,and

Isoursalready,andthemanentire

wellwinhimoverentirelyatthismeeting.

Uponthenextencounteryieldshimours.

160

CASCA

CASCA

Oh,hesitshighinallthepeopleshearts,

Oh,thepeoplelovehimwell.Thingsthatwouldlookbadifwe

Andthatwhichwouldappearoffenseinus,

didthem,Brutuscoulddoandlookvirtuousjustlikean

Hiscountenance,likerichestalchemy,

alchemistturnsworthlesstintogold.

Willchangetovirtueandtoworthiness.

165

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Himandhisworthandourgreatneedofhim

Yes,youreabsolutelyrightabouthowworthyBrutusisand

Youhaverightwellconceited.Letusgo,

howmuchweneedhim.Letsgo,becauseitsalreadyafter

Foritisaftermidnight,andereday

midnight,andwewanthimonoursidebeforedaylight.

Wewillawakehimandbesureofhim.
Exeunt

Theyexit.

Act2,Scene1

EnterBRUTUSinhisorchard

BRUTUSentersinhisorchard.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

What,Lucius,ho!

Lucius,areyouthere?Icanttellbythepositionofthestars

Icannotbytheprogressofthestars

hownearitistodaybreakLucius,areyouthere?IwishIhad

Giveguesshowneartoday.Lucius,Isay!

thatweakness,tosleeptoosoundly.Comeon,Lucius!Wake

Iwoulditweremyfaulttosleepsosoundly.

up,Isay!Lucius!

When,Lucius,when?Awake,Isay!What,Lucius!
EnterLUCIUS

LUCIUSenters.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Calledyou,mylord?

Didyoucallme,mylord?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Getmeataperinmystudy,Lucius.

Putacandleinmystudy,Lucius.Callmewhenitslit.

Whenitislighted,comeandcallmehere.

10

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Iwill,mylord.

Iwill,mylord.

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Itmustbebyhisdeath,andformypart

TheonlywayistokillCaesar.Ihavenopersonalreasonto

Iknownopersonalcausetospurnathim

strikeathimonlythebestinterestofthepeople.Hewantsto

Butforthegeneral.Hewouldbecrowned.

becrowned.Thequestionis,howwouldbeingkingchange

Howthatmightchangehisnature,theresthequestion.

him?Evilcancomefromgood,justaspoisonoussnakestend

Itisthebrightdaythatbringsforththeadder

tocomeoutintotheopenonbrightsunnydayswhichmeans

Andthatcraveswarywalking.Crownhimthat,

wehavetowalkcarefully.Ifwecrownhim,Ihavetoadmit

LineOriginalText
15

AndthenIgrantweputastinginhim

Modern Text

22

wedbegivinghimthepowertododamage.

Thatathiswillhemaydodangerwith.

20

25

30

Th'abuseofgreatnessiswhenitdisjoins

Rulersabusetheirpowerwhentheyseparateitfrom

Remorsefrompower.And,tospeaktruthofCaesar,

compassion.Tobehonest,IveneverknownCaesartolethis

Ihavenotknownwhenhisaffectionsswayed

emotionsgetthebetterofhisreason.Buteveryoneknowsthat

Morethanhisreason.Buttisacommonproof

anambitiousyoungmanuseshumilitytoadvancehimself,but

Thatlowlinessisyoungambitionsladder,

whenhereachesthetop,heturnshisbackonhissupporters

Wheretotheclimberupwardturnshisface.

andreachesfortheskieswhilescorningthosewhohelpedhim

Butwhenheonceattainstheupmostround,

getwhereheis.Caesarmightactlikethat.Therefore,incase

Hethenuntotheladderturnshisback,

hedoes,wemustholdhimback.Andsinceourquarreliswith

Looksintheclouds,scorningthebasedegrees

hisfuturebehavior,notwhathedoesnow,Imustframethe

Bywhichhedidascend.SoCaesarmay.

argumentlikethis:ifhispositionisfurthered,hischaracterwill

Then,lesthemay,prevent.Andsincethequarrel

fulfillthesepredictions.Andthereforeweshouldlikenhimtoa

Willbearnocolorforthethingheis,

serpentseggonceithashatched,itbecomesdangerous,

Fashionitthus:thatwhatheis,augmented,

likeallserpents.Thuswemustkillhimwhilehesstillinthe

Wouldruntotheseandtheseextremities.

shell.

Andthereforethinkhimasaserpentsegg
Which,hatched,wouldashiskindgrowmischievous
Andkillhimintheshell.
EnterLUCIUS

35

LUCIUSenters.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Thetaperburnethinyourcloset,sir.

Thecandleisburninginyourstudy,sir.WhileIwaslookingfor

Searchingthewindowforaflint,Ifound

aflinttolightit,Ifoundthispaperonthewindow,sealedup

Thispaper,thussealedup,andIamsure

likethis,andImsureitwasnttherewhenIwenttobed.(he

ItdidnotlietherewhenIwenttobed.

givesBRUTUStheletter)

(giveshimaletter)

40

45

50

55

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Getyoutobedagain.Itisnotday.

Gobacktobed.Itisntdaybreakyet.Istomorrowthe15thof

Isnottomorrow,boy,theidesofMarch?

March,boy?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Iknownot,sir.

Idontknow,sir.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Lookinthecalendarandbringmeword.

Checkthecalendarandcometellme.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Iwill,sir.

Iwill,sir.

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Theexhalationswhizzingintheair

ThemeteorswhizzingintheskyaresobrightthatIcanread

GivesomuchlightthatImayreadbythem.

bythem.(heopenstheletterandreads)Brutus,youre

(openstheletterandreads)

sleeping.Wakeupandlookatyourself.IsRomegoingto

Brutus,thousleepst.Awake,andseethyself.

etc.Speak,strike,fixthewrongs!Brutus,youresleeping.

ShallRome,etc.Speak,strike,redress!

Wakeup.IvenoticedmanysuchcallstoactionleftwhereI

Brutus,thousleepst.Awake.

wouldfindthem.IsRomegoingtoetc.Whatdoesthis

Suchinstigationshavebeenoftendropped

mean?WillRomesubmittoonemanspower?Myancestors

WhereIhavetookthemup.

droveTarquinfromthestreetsofRomewhenhewas

ShallRome,etc.ThusmustIpieceitout:

pronouncedaking.Speak,strike,fixit!Isthisaskingmeto

ShallRomestandunderonemansawe?What,Rome?

speakandstrike?Oh,Rome,Ipromiseyou,ifyouremeantto

MyancestorsdidfromthestreetsofRome

receivejustice,youllreceiveitbymyhand!

TheTarquindrivewhenhewascalledaking.

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23

Speak,strike,redress!AmIentreated
Tospeakandstrike?ORome,Imaketheepromise,
Iftheredresswillfollow,thoureceivest
60

ThyfullpetitionatthehandofBrutus!
EnterLUCIUS

65

LUCIUSenters.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Sir,Marchiswastedfifteendays.

Sir,fifteendaysofMarchhavegoneby.

Knockwithin

Thesoundofaknockoffstage.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

'Tisgood.Gotothegate.Somebodyknocks.

Good.Gotothegate.Somebodysknocking.

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

SinceCassiusfirstdidwhetmeagainstCaesar,

IhaventsleptsinceCassiusfirstbegantoturnmeagainst

Ihavenotslept.

Caesar.

Betweentheactingofadreadfulthing

Fromthetimewhenyoudecidetodosomethingterribletothe

Andthefirstmotion,alltheinterimis

momentyoudoit,everythingfeelsunreal,likeahorrible

Likeaphantasmaorahideousdream.

dream.Theunconsciousandthebodyworktogetherandrebel

Thegeniusandthemortalinstruments

againsttheconsciousmind.

Arethenincouncil,andthestateofman,
70

Liketoalittlekingdom,suffersthen
Thenatureofaninsurrection.
EnterLUCIUS

75

LUCIUSenters.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Sir,tisyourbrotherCassiusatthedoor,

Sir,itsyourbrotherinlawCassiusatthedoor.Hewantsto

Whodothdesiretoseeyou.

seeyou.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ishealone?

Ishealone?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

No,sir,therearemorewithhim.

No,sir.Thereareotherswithhim.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Doyouknowthem?

Doyouknowthem?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

No,sir.Theirhatsarepluckedabouttheirears,

No,sir,theirhatsarepulleddownovertheirearsandtheir

Andhalftheirfacesburiedintheircloaks,

facesarehalfburiedundertheircloaks,sotheresnowayto

ThatbynomeansImaydiscoverthem

tellwhotheyare.

Byanymarkoffavor.

80

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Let'ementer.

Letthemin.

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

Theyarethefaction.Oconspiracy,

ItsthefactionthatwantstokillCaesar.Oh,conspiracy,are

Shamestthoutoshowthydangerousbrowbynight

youashamedtoshowyourfaceevenatnight,whenevilthings

Whenevilsaremostfree?O,thenbyday

aremostfree?Ifso,whenitsday,whereareyougoingtofind

Wherewiltthoufindacaverndarkenough

acavedarkenoughtohideyourmonstrousface?No,dont

Tomaskthymonstrousvisage?Seeknone,conspiracy.

bothertofindacave,conspiracy.Instead,hideyourtrueface

Hideitinsmilesandaffability.

behindsmilesandfriendliness.

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85

90

95

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24

Forifthoupath,thynativesemblanceon,

Ifyouwentaheadandexposedyourtrueface,Hellitself

NotErebusitselfweredimenough

wouldntbedarkenoughtokeepyoufrombeingfoundand

Tohidetheefromprevention.

stopped.

Entertheconspirators:CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA,METELLUS,and

TheconspiratorsCASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA,

TREBONIUS

METELLUS,andTREBONIUSenter.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ithinkwearetoobolduponyourrest.

Imafraidwereintrudingtooboldlyonyoursleeptime.Good

Goodmorrow,Brutus.Dowetroubleyou?

morning,Brutus.Arewebotheringyou?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ihavebeenupthishour,awakeallnight.

Iwasawake.Ivebeenupallnight.DoIknowthesemenwho

KnowIthesementhatcomealongwithyou?

arewithyou?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Yes,everymanofthem,andnomanhere

Yes,everyoneofthem.Thereisntoneofthemwhodoesnt

Buthonorsyou,andeveryonedothwish

admireyou,andeachoneofthemwishesyouhadashighan

Youhadbutthatopinionofyourself

opinionofyourselfaseverynobleRomanhasofyou.Thisis

WhicheverynobleRomanbearsofyou.

Trebonius.

ThisisTrebonius.

100

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Heiswelcomehither.

Heswelcomehere.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

This,DeciusBrutus.

ThisisDeciusBrutus.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Heiswelcometoo.

Heswelcometoo.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

This,Casca.This,Cinna.Andthis,MetellusCimber.

ThisisCasca.ThisisCinna.AndthisisMetellusCimber.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Theyareallwelcome.

Theyreallwelcome.Whatworrieshavekeptyouawake

Whatwatchfulcaresdointerposethemselves

tonight?

Betwixtyoureyesandnight?

105

110

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

ShallIentreataword?

CanIhaveawordwithyou?

BRUTUSandCASSIUS withdrawandwhisper

BRUTUSandCASSIUS whispertogether.

DECIUS

DECIUS

Hereliestheeast.Dothnotthedaybreakhere?

Herestheeast.Wontthedawncomefromhere?

CASCA

CASCA

No.

No.

CINNA

CINNA

O,pardon,sir,itdoth,andyongraylines

Excuseme,sir,itwill.Thesegraylinesthatlacethecloudsare

Thatfretthecloudsaremessengersofday.

thebeginningsofthedawn.

CASCA

CASCA

Youshallconfessthatyouarebothdeceived.

Yourebothwrong.(pointinghissword)Here,whereIpointmy

(pointshissword)

sword,thesunrises.Itsquitenearthesouth,sinceitsstill

Here,asIpointmysword,thesunarises,

winter.Abouttwomonthsfromnow,thedawnwillbreak

Whichisagreatwaygrowingonthesouth,

furthertowardthenorth,anddueeastiswheretheCapitol

Weighingtheyouthfulseasonoftheyear.

stands,here.

Sometwomonthshenceuphighertowardthenorth

LineOriginalText

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25

Hefirstpresentshisfire,andthehigheast
115

Stands,astheCapitol,directlyhere.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(comesforwardwithCASSIUS)

(comingforwardwithCASSIUS)Givemeyourhands,allof

Givemeyourhandsallover,onebyone.

you,onebyone.(heshakestheirhands)

(shakestheirhands)

120

125

130

135

140

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Andletusswearourresolution.

Andletussweartoourresolution.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

No,notanoath.Ifnotthefaceofmen,

No,letsnotswearanoath.Ifthesadfacesofourfellowmen,

Thesufferanceofoursouls,thetimesabuse

thesufferingofourownsouls,andthecorruptionofthe

Ifthesebemotivesweak,breakoffbetimes,

presenttimearentenoughtomotivateus,letsbreakitoffnow

Andeverymanhencetohisidlebed.

andeachofusgobacktobed.Thenwecanletthisambitious

Solethighsightedtyrannyrangeon

tyrantcontinueunchallengeduntileachofusiskilledathis

Tilleachmandropbylottery.Butifthese

whim.Butifwehavereasonsthatarestrongenoughtoignite

AsIamsuretheydobearfireenough

cowardsintoactionandtomakeweakwomenbraveandI

Tokindlecowardsandtosteelwithvalor

thinkwedothen,countrymen,whatelsecouldwepossibly

Themeltingspiritsofwomen,then,countrymen,

needtospurustoaction?Whatbonddoweneedotherthan

Whatneedweanyspurbutourowncause

thatofdiscreetRomanswhohavesaidwhattheyregoingto

Toprickustoredress?Whatotherbond

doandwontbackdown?Andwhatoathdoweneedother

ThansecretRomansthathavespoketheword

thanthatwehonestmenhavetoldeachotherthatthiswill

Andwillnotpalter?Andwhatotheroath

happenorwewilldietrying?Swearingisforpriests,cowards,

Thanhonestytohonestyengaged,

overlycautiousmen,feebleoldpeople,andthoselong

Thatthisshallbe,orwewillfallforit?

sufferingweaklingswhowelcomeabuse.Onlymenwhomyou

Swearpriestsandcowardsandmencautelous,

wouldnttrustanywaywouldswearoaths,andfortheworst

Oldfeeblecarrionsandsuchsufferingsouls

reasons.Dontspoilthejustnessandvirtueofourendeavor

Thatwelcomewrongs.Untobadcausesswear

norweakenourownirrepressiblespiritsbythinkingthatwe

Suchcreaturesasmendoubt.Butdonotstain

needabindingoath,whenthebloodthateverynobleRoman

Theevenvirtueofourenterprise,

containswithinhimwouldbeprovenbastardsbloodifhe

North'insuppressivemettleofourspirits,

brokethesmallestpartofanypromisehehadmade.

Tothinkthatorourcauseorourperformance
Didneedanoath,wheneverydropofblood
ThateveryRomanbearsandnoblybears
Isguiltyofaseveralbastardy
145

Ifhedobreakthesmallestparticle
Ofanypromisethathathpassedfromhim.

150

155

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

ButwhatofCicero?Shallwesoundhim?

ButwhataboutCicero?Shouldweseewhathethinks?Ithink

Ithinkhewillstandverystrongwithus.

hewillstandstrongwithus.

CASCA

CASCA

Letusnotleavehimout.

Letsnotleavehimout.

CINNA

CINNA

No,bynomeans.

No,bynomeans.

METELLUS

METELLUS

O,letushavehim,forhissilverhairs

Yes,weshouldgethissupport,forhismaturepresencewill

Willpurchaseusagoodopinion

makeothersthinkwellofusandspeakoutinsupportofour

Andbuymensvoicestocommendourdeeds.

actions.TheyllassumethatCicero,withhissoundjudgment,

Itshallbesaidhisjudgmentruledourhands.

orderedtheactions.Hisdignifiedmaturitywilldistractattention

Ouryouthsandwildnessshallnowhitappear,

fromouryouthandwildness.

Butallbeburiedinhisgravity.

LineOriginalText
BRUTUS

Modern Text

26

BRUTUS

O,namehimnot.Letusnotbreakwithhim,

No,dontevenmentionhim.Weshouldnttellhimaboutour

Forhewillneverfollowanything

plans.Hellneverfollowanythingthatothermenhavestarted.

Thatothermenbegin.

160

165

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thenleavehimout.

Thenleavehimout.

CASCA

CASCA

Indeedheisnotfit.

Indeed,hesnotrightforthis.

DECIUS

DECIUS

ShallnomanelsebetouchedbutonlyCaesar?

ButshouldweonlygoafterCaesar?Nooneelse?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Decius,wellurged.Ithinkitisnotmeet

Goodpoint,Decius.IdontthinkitwouldbewisetoletMark

MarkAntony,sowellbelovedofCaesar,

Antony,whomCaesarissofondof,outliveCaesar.Wedfind

ShouldoutliveCaesar.Weshallfindofhim

thathewasadangerousplotter.Andasyouknow,his

Ashrewdcontriver.And,youknow,hismeans,

connections,ifheputthemtogooduse,mightbeenoughto

Ifheimprovethem,maywellstretchsofar

hurtusall.Topreventthis,MarkAntonyshoulddiealongwith

Astoannoyusallwhichtoprevent,

Caesar.

LetAntonyandCaesarfalltogether.

170

175

180

185

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ourcoursewillseemtoobloody,CaiusCassius,

OuractionwillseemtoobloodyifwecutoffCaesarshead

Tocuttheheadoffandthenhackthelimbs,

andthenhackathisarmsandlegstoo,CaiusCassius

Likewrathindeathandenvyafterwards,

becauseMarkAntonyismerelyoneofCaesarsarms.Itlllook

ForAntonyisbutalimbofCaesar.

likewekilledCaesaroutofangerandMarkAntonyoutof

Letusbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius.

envy.Letsbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius.Wereall

WeallstandupagainstthespiritofCaesar,

againstwhatCaesarstandsfor,andtheresnobloodinthat.

Andinthespiritofmenthereisnoblood.

Oh,howIwishwecouldopposeCaesarsspirithis

Oh,thatwethencouldcomebyCaesarsspirit

overblownambitionandnothackupCaesarhimself!But,

AndnotdismemberCaesar!But,alas,

unfortunately,Caesarhastobleedifweregoingtostophim.

Caesarmustbleedforit.And,gentlefriends,

Noblefriends,letskillhimboldlybutnotwithanger.Lets

Letskillhimboldlybutnotwrathfully.

carvehimuplikeadishfitforthegods,notchophimuplikea

Letscarvehimasadishfitforthegods,

carcassfitfordogs.Letsbeangryonlylongenoughtodothe

Nothewhimasacarcassfitforhounds.

deed,andthenletsactlikeweredisgustedbywhatwehadto

Andletourhearts,assubtlemastersdo,

do.Thiswillmakeouractionsseempracticalandnotvengeful.

Stiruptheirservantstoanactofrage

Ifweappearcalmtothepeople,theyllcallussurgeonsrather

Andafterseemtochide'em.Thisshallmake

thanmurderers.AsforMarkAntonyforgethim.Hellbeas

Ourpurposenecessaryandnotenvious,

uselessasCaesarsarmafterCaesarsheadiscutoff.

Whichsoappearingtothecommoneyes,
Weshallbecalledpurgers,notmurderers.
AndforMarkAntony,thinknotofhim,
ForhecandonomorethanCaesarsarm
190

WhenCaesarsheadisoff.
OriginalText

ModernText

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

YetIfearhim.

ButImstillafraidofhim,becausethedeeprootedlovehehas

ForintheengraftedlovehebearstoCaesar

forCaesar

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Alas,goodCassius,donotthinkofhim.

Alas,goodCassius,dontthinkabouthim.IfhelovesCaesar,

IfheloveCaesar,allthathecando

thenhecanonlyhurthimselfbygrievinganddyingfor

Istohimself:takethoughtanddieforCaesar.

Caesar.AndIdbesurprisedifheevendidthat,forheprefers

LineOriginalText
195

Andthatweremuchheshould,forheisgiven

Modern Text

27

sports,fun,andfriends.

Tosports,towildnessandmuchcompany.

200

205

TREBONIUS

TREBONIUS

Thereisnofearinhim.Lethimnotdie,

Theresnothingtofearinhim.Letsnotkillhim.Hellliveand

Forhewillliveandlaughatthishereafter.

laughatthisafterward.

Clockstrikes

Aclockstrikes.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Peace!Counttheclock.

Quiet!Counthowmanytimestheclockchimes.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Theclockhathstrickenthree.

Theclockstruckthree.

TREBONIUS

TREBONIUS

'Tistimetopart.

Itstimetoleave.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Butitisdoubtfulyet

ButwestilldontknowwhetherCaesarwillgooutinpublic

WhetherCaesarwillcomeforthtodayorno.

todayornot,becausehesbecomesuperstitiouslately,a

Forheissuperstitiousgrownoflate,

completeturnaroundfromwhenheusedtohavesuchabad

Quitefromthemainopinionheheldonce

opinionoffortunetellers,dreaminterpreters,andritual

Offantasy,ofdreamsandceremonies.

mumbojumbo.Itmighthappenthatthesestrangesigns,the

Itmaybe,theseapparentprodigies,

unusualterrorofthisnight,andtheurgingsofhisfortune

Theunaccustomedterrorofthisnight,

tellerswillkeephimawayfromtheCapitoltoday.

Andthepersuasionofhisaugurers
MayholdhimfromtheCapitoltoday.

210

215

DECIUS

DECIUS

Neverfearthat.Ifhebesoresolved,

Dontworryaboutthat.Ifhesreluctant,Icanconvincehim.He

Icano'erswayhim.Forhelovestohear

lovestohearmetellhimhowmencanbesnaredbyflatterers,

Thatunicornsmaybebetrayedwithtrees,

justlikeunicornscanbecapturedintrees,elephantsinholes,

Andbearswithglasses,elephantswithholes,

andlionswithnets.WhenItellhimhehatesflatterers,he

Lionswithtoils,andmenwithflatterers.

agrees,justatthemomentwhenImflatteringhimthemost.

ButwhenItellhimhehatesflatterers,

Letmeworkonhim.Icanputhimintherightmood,andIll

Hesayshedoes,beingthenmostflatterd.

bringhimtotheCapitol.

Letmework.
ForIcangivehishumorthetruebent,
AndIwillbringhimtotheCapitol.
OriginalText

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225

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CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Nay,wewillallofusbetheretofetchhim.

No,wellallgotheretobringhim.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Bytheeighthhour.Isthattheuttermost?

Byeighto'clock.Isthatthelatestwecandoit?

CINNA

CINNA

Bethattheuttermost,andfailnotthen.

Letsmakethatthelatest,butbesuretogettherebeforethen.

METELLUS

METELLUS

CaiusLigariusdothbearCaesarhard,

CaiusLigariusdoesntlikeCaesar,whoberatedhimfor

WhoratedhimforspeakingwellofPompey.

speakingwellofPompey.Iwonderthatnoneofyouthought

Iwondernoneofyouhavethoughtofhim.

aboutgettinghissupport.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Now,goodMetellus,goalongbyhim.

GoodMetellus,gotohimnow.Helikesme,andIvegivenhim

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Helovesmewell,andIhavegivenhimreasons.

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28

goodreasonto.Justsendhimhere,andIllpersuadehim.

SendhimbuthitherandIllfashionhim.

230

235

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Themorningcomesupons.Wellleaveyou,Brutus.

Themorningisapproaching.Wellleave,Brutus.Friends,go

And,friends,disperseyourselves.Butallremember

yourseparateways.Butallofyou,rememberwhatyouvesaid

Whatyouhavesaid,andshowyourselvestrueRomans.

andproveyourselvestrueRomans.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Goodgentlemen,lookfreshandmerrily.

Goodgentlemen,looklikeyourerestedandhappy.Dontlet

Letnotourlooksputonourpurposes,

ourfacesbetrayourplans.Instead,carryyourselveslike

ButbearitasourRomanactorsdo,

Romanactors,withcheerfulspiritsandwellcomposedfaces.

Withuntiredspiritsandformalconstancy.

Andso,goodmorningtoallofyou.

Andsogoodmorrowtoyoueveryone.

240

Exeunt.ManetBRUTUS

EveryoneexceptBRUTUSexits.

Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Itisnomatter.

Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Well,enjoythesweetnessofdeep

Enjoythehoneyheavydewofslumber.

sleep.Yourbrainisntstuffedwiththestrangeshapesand

Thouhastnofiguresnornofantasies,

fantasiesthatcometomenwhoareoverwhelmedbyworries.

Whichbusycaredrawsinthebrainsofmen.

Thatswhyyousleepsosoundly.

Thereforethousleepstsosound.
EnterPORTIA

PORTIAenters.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Brutus,mylord.

Brutus,mylord.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Portia,whatmeanyou?Whereforeriseyounow?

Portia,whatareyoudoingawake?Itisntgoodforyourhealth

Itisnotforyourhealththustocommit

toexposeyourweakbodytotheraw,coldmorning.

Yourweakconditiontotheraw,coldmorning.

245

250

255

260

PORTIA

PORTIA

Norforyoursneither.Y'haveungently,Brutus,

Itsnotgoodforyourhealth,either.Yourudelysnuckoutof

Stolefrommybed.Andyesternight,atsupper,

bed.Andlastnightatdinner,yougotupabruptlyandpaced

Yousuddenlyaroseandwalkedabout,

backandforthwithyourarmscrossed,broodingandsighing,

Musingandsighing,withyourarmsacross,

andwhenIaskedyouwhatwasthematter,yougavemea

AndwhenIaskedyouwhatthematterwas,

dirtylook.Iaskedyouagain,andyouscratchedyourheadand

Youstareduponmewithungentlelooks.

stampedyourfootimpatiently.Istillinsistedonknowingwhat

Iurgedyoufurther,thenyouscratchedyourhead

thematterwas,butyouwouldntanswerme,insteadgiving

Andtooimpatientlystampedwithyourfoot.

meanangrywaveofyourhandandtellingmetoleaveyou

YetIinsistedyetyouanswerednot,

alone.SoIleft,afraidoffurtherprovokingangerthatwas

Butwithanangrywaftureofyourhand

alreadyinflamedbutstillhopingthiswasmerelymoodiness,

Gavesignformetoleaveyou.SoIdid,

whicheveryoneisaffectedbyonceinawhile.Yourstrange

Fearingtostrengthenthatimpatience

moodwontletyoueatortalkorsleep.Ifithadchangedyour

Whichseemedtoomuchenkindled,andwithal

outwardappearanceasmuchasithasaffectedyouonthe

Hopingitwasbutaneffectofhumor,

inside,Iwouldntevenbeabletorecognizeyou,Brutus.My

Whichsometimehathhishourwitheveryman.

dearlord,tellmewhatsbotheringyou.

Itwillnotletyoueatnortalknorsleep,
Andcoulditworksomuchuponyourshape
Asithathmuchprevailedonyourcondition,
Ishouldnotknowyou,Brutus.Dearmylord,
Makemeacquaintedwithyourcauseofgrief.

265

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iamnotwellinhealth,andthatisall.

Imnotfeelingwellthatsall.

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275

280

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29

PORTIA

PORTIA

Brutusiswise,andwerehenotinhealth,

Youresmart,though,andifyouweresick,youdtakewhat

Hewouldembracethemeanstocomebyit.

youneededtogetbetter.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Why,soIdo.GoodPortia,gotobed.

Imdoingso.GoodPortia,gotobed.

PORTIA

PORTIA

IsBrutussick?Andisitphysical

Areyousick?Andisithealthytowalkuncoveredandbreathe

Towalkunbracdandsuckupthehumors

inthedampnessofthemorning?Youresick,yetyousneak

Ofthedankmorning?What,isBrutussick,

outofyourwarmbedandletthehumidanddiseaseinfested

Andwillhestealoutofhiswholesomebed,

airmakeyousicker?No,myBrutus,youhavesomesickness

Todarethevilecontagionofthenight

withinyourmind,whichbyvirtueofmypositionIdeserveto

Andtempttherheumyandunpurgdair

knowabout.(shekneels)Andonmyknees,Iurgeyou,bymy

Toadduntohissickness?No,myBrutus.

oncepraisedbeauty,byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreat

Youhavesomesickoffensewithinyourmind,

vowofmarriagewhichmadethetwoofusoneperson,that

Whichbytherightandvirtueofmyplace

youshouldrevealtome,whoisonehalfofyourself,why

Ioughttoknowof.

youretroubledandwhatmenhavevisitedyoutonight.For

(kneels)Anduponmyknees

thereweresixorsevenmenhere,whohidtheirfacesevenin

Icharmyou,bymyoncecommendedbeauty,

thedarkness.

Byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreatvow
Whichdidincorporateandmakeusone
Thatyouunfoldtome,yourself,yourhalf,
Whyyouareheavy,andwhatmentonight
285

Havehadtoresorttoyou.Forherehavebeen
Somesixorsevenwhodidhidetheirfaces
Evenfromdarkness.

290

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Kneelnot,gentlePortia.

Dontkneel,noblePortia.

PORTIA

PORTIA

(rising)Ishouldnotneedifyouweregentle,Brutus.

(gettingup)Iwouldntneedtoifyouwereactingnobly.Tell

Withinthebondofmarriage,tellme,Brutus,

me,Brutus,asyourwife,arentIsupposedtobetoldthe

IsitexceptedIshouldknownosecrets

secretsthatconcernyou?AmIpartofyouonlyinalimited

Thatappertaintoyou?AmIyourself

senseIgettohavedinnerwithyou,sleepwithyou,andtalk

But,asitwere,insortorlimitation,

toyousometimes?

Tokeepwithyouatmeals,comfortyourbed,
Andtalktoyousometimes?

295

DwellIbutinthesuburbs

Ismyplaceonlyontheoutskirtsofyourhappiness?Ifits

Ofyourgoodpleasure?Ifitbenomore,

nothingmorethanthat,thenImyourwhore,notyourwife.

PortiaisBrutus'harlot,nothiswife.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Youaremytrueandhonorablewife,

Youremytrueandhonorablewife,asdeartomeastheblood

Asdeartomeasaretheruddydrops

thatrunsthroughmysadheart.

Thatvisitmysadheart.

300

305

PORTIA

PORTIA

Ifthisweretrue,thenshouldIknowthissecret.

Ifthatweretrue,thenIdknowyoursecret.IadmitImonlya

IgrantIamawoman,butwithal

woman,butneverthelessImthewomanLordBrutustookfor

AwomanthatLordBrutustooktowife.

hiswife.IadmitImonlyawoman,butImstillawomanfroma

IgrantIamawoman,butwithal

noblefamilyImCatosdaughter.DoyoureallythinkImno

Awomanwellreputed,Catosdaughter.

strongerthantherestofmysex,withsuchafatherandsucha

ThinkyouIamnostrongerthanmysex,

husband?Tellmeyoursecrets.Iwontbetraythem.Ive

Beingsofatheredandsohusbanded?

provedmytrustworthinessbygivingmyselfavoluntarywound

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30

Tellmeyourcounsels.Iwillnotdisclose'em.

hereinmythigh.IfIcanbearthatpain,thenIcanbearmy

Ihavemadestrongproofofmyconstancy,

husbandssecrets.

Givingmyselfavoluntarywound
310

Hereinthethigh.CanIbearthatwithpatience,
Andnotmyhusbandssecrets?
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Oyegods,

Oh,gods,makemeworthyofthisnoblewife!

Rendermeworthyofthisnoblewife!

315

Knockwithin

Aknockingsoundoffstage.

Hark,hark!Oneknocks.Portia,goinawhile.

Listen!Someoneknocks.Portia,goinsideawhile,andsoon

Andbyandbythybosomshallpartake

enoughyoullsharethesecretsofmyheart.Illexplainallthat

Thesecretsofmyheart.

Ihavecommittedtodoandallthereasonsformysadface.

AllmyengagementsIwillconstruetothee,

Leavemequickly.

Allthecharacteryofmysadbrows.
Leavemewithhaste.
ExitPORTIA

PORTIAexits.

Lucius,whosthatknocking?

Lucius,whosthatknocking?

EnterLUCIUSandLIGARIUS

LUCIUSandLIGARIUSenter.Ligariuswearsaclothwrapped
aroundhishead,indicatingthathessick.

320

325

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Heisasickmanthatwouldspeakwithyou.

Heresasickmanwhowantstospeakwithyou.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

CaiusLigarius,thatMetellusspakeof.

ItsCaiusLigarius,whomMetellusspokeof.Boy,standaside.

Boy,standaside.CaiusLigarius,how?

CaiusLigarius!Howareyou?

LIGARIUS

LIGARIUS

Vouchsafegoodmorrowfromafeebletongue.

Pleaseacceptmyfeeblegoodmorning.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

O,whatatimehaveyouchoseout,braveCaius,

Oh,whatatimeyouvechosentobesick,braveCaius!HowI

Towearakerchief!Wouldyouwerenotsick!

wishyoufeltbetter!

LIGARIUS

LIGARIUS

IamnotsickifBrutushaveinhand

Imnotsickifyouvepreparedsomehonorableexploitforme.

Anyexploitworthythenameofhonor.

330

335

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

SuchanexploithaveIinhand,Ligarius,

Indeed,Iwouldhavesuchanexploitforyou,Ligarius,ifyou

Hadyouahealthfuleartohearofit.

werehealthyenoughtohearit.

LIGARIUS

LIGARIUS

(removeshiskerchief)

(takesoffhisheadcovering)ByallthegodsthatRomans

ByallthegodsthatRomansbowbefore,

worship,Iherebythrowoffmysickness!SoulofRome!Brave

Iherediscardmysickness!SoulofRome,

sonofhonorableancestors!Youveconjuredupmydeadened

Bravesonderivedfromhonorableloins,

spiritlikeanexorcist.Nowsaytheword,andIwilltackleall

Thou,likeanexorcist,hastconjuredup

kindsofimpossiblethings,andsucceedtoo.Whatisthereto

Mymortifidspirit.Nowbidmerun,

do?

AndIwillstrivewiththingsimpossible,
Yea,getthebetterofthem.Whatstodo?
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Apieceofworkthatwillmakesickmenwhole.

Adeedthatwillmakesickmenhealthy.

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31

LIGARIUS

LIGARIUS

Butarenotsomewholethatwemustmakesick?

Butarenttheresomehealthymenwhomwehavetomake
sick?

340

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Thatmustwealso.Whatitis,myCaius,

Thattoo.MydearCaius,Illexplainthetaskathandtoyouas

Ishallunfoldtotheeaswearegoing

wewalktowardthemanwemustdoitto.

Towhomitmustbedone.

345

LIGARIUS

LIGARIUS

Setonyourfoot,

Startwalking,andwithanenergizedheart,Illfollowyouto

AndwithaheartnewfiredIfollowyou,

what,Idontknow,butImsatisfied,simplyknowingthat

TodoIknownotwhat.Butitsufficeth

Brutusleadsme.

ThatBrutusleadsmeon.
Thunder

Thunder.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Followme,then.

Followme,then.

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

OriginalText

ModernText

ThunderandlightningEnterJuliusCAESARinhisnightgown

Thunderandlightning.CAESARentersinhisnightgown.

Act2,Scene2

10

CAESAR

CAESAR

Norheavennorearthhavebeenatpeacetonight.

Neithertheskynortheearthhavebeenquiettonight.

ThricehathCalphurniainhersleepcriedout,

Calphurniacriedoutthreetimesinhersleep,Help,someone!

Help,ho!TheymurderCaesar!Whoswithin?

TheyremurderingCaesar!Whosthere?

EnteraSERVANT

ASERVANTenters.

SERVANT

SERVANT

Mylord.

Mylord?

CAESAR

CAESAR

Gobidthepriestsdopresentsacrifice

Gotelltheprieststoperformasacrificeimmediately,andbring

Andbringmetheiropinionsofsuccess.

metheirinterpretationoftheresults.

SERVANT

SERVANT

Iwill,mylord.

Iwill,mylord.

ExitSERVANT

TheSERVANTexits.

EnterCALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIAenters.

CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Whatmeanyou,Caesar?Thinkyoutowalkforth?

Whatareyoudoing,Caesar?Areyouplanningtogoout?

Youshallnotstiroutofyourhousetoday.

Yourenotleavingthehousetoday.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Caesarshallforth.Thethingsthatthreatenedme

Iwillgoout.Thethingsthatthreatenmehaveonlyseenmy

Ne'erlookedbutonmyback.Whentheyshallsee

back.WhentheyseethefaceofCaesar,theywillvanish.

ThefaceofCaesar,theyarevanishd.

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32

CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Caesar,Ineverstoodonceremonies,

Caesar,Ineverbelievedinomens,butnowtheyfrightenme.

Yetnowtheyfrightme.Thereisonewithin,

Aservanttoldmethenightwatchmensawhorridsightstoo,

Besidesthethingsthatwehaveheardandseen,

butdifferentonesfromwhatweheardandsaw.Alioness

Recountsmosthorridsightsseenbythewatch.

gavebirthinthestreets,andgravescrackedopenandthrust

Alionesshathwhelpdinthestreets,

outtheirdead.

Andgraveshaveyawnedandyieldeduptheirdead.

20

25

Fiercefierywarriorsfoughtupontheclouds

Fierce,fierywarriorsfoughtinthecloudsintheusual

Inranksandsquadronsandrightformofwar,

formationsofwarranksandsquadronsuntiltheclouds

WhichdrizzledbloodupontheCapitol.

drizzledbloodontotheCapitol.Thenoiseofbattlefilledthe

Thenoiseofbattlehurtledintheair.

air,andhorsesneighed,anddyingmengroaned,andghosts

Horsesdidneigh,anddyingmendidgroan,

shriekedandsquealedinthestreets.Oh,Caesar!These

Andghostsdidshriekandsquealaboutthestreets.

thingsarebeyondanythingweveseenbefore,andImafraid.

OCaesar!Thesethingsarebeyondalluse,
AndIdofearthem.
CAESAR

CAESAR

Whatcanbeavoided

Howcanweavoidwhatthegodswanttohappen?ButIwillgo

Whoseendispurposedbythemightygods?

out,forthesebadomensapplytotheworldingeneralas

YetCaesarshallgoforth,forthesepredictions

muchastheydotome.

AretotheworldingeneralastoCaesar.

30

35

CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsseen.

Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsinthesky.The

Theheavensthemselvesblazeforththedeathofprinces.

heavensonlyannouncethedeathsofprinces.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths.

Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths.Thebrave

Thevaliantnevertasteofdeathbutonce.

experiencedeathonlyonce.OfallthestrangethingsIveever

OfallthewondersthatIyethaveheard,

heard,itseemsmoststrangetomethatmenfeardeath,given

Itseemstomemoststrangethatmenshouldfear,

thatdeath,whichcantbeavoided,willcomewheneverit

Seeingthatdeath,anecessaryend,

wants.

Willcomewhenitwillcome.

40

EnterSERVANT

TheSERVANTenters.

Whatsaytheaugurers?

Whatdothepriestssay?

SERVANT

SERVANT

Theywouldnothaveyoutostirforthtoday.

Theydontwantyoutogoouttoday.Theypulledouttheguts

Pluckingtheentrailsofanofferingforth,

ofthesacrificedanimalandcouldntfinditsheart.

They couldnotfindaheartwithinthebeast.
CAESAR

CAESAR

Thegodsdothisinshameofcowardice.

Thegodsdothistotestmybravery.TheyresayingIdbean

Caesarshouldbeabeastwithoutaheart

animalwithoutaheartifIstayedhometodayoutoffear.So,I

Ifheshouldstayathometodayforfear.

wont.

No,Caesarshallnot.Dangerknowsfullwell
45

ThatCaesarismoredangerousthanhe.

DangerknowsthatCaesarismoredangerousthanheis.

Wearetwolionslitteredinoneday,

Weretwolionsbornonthesamedayinthesamelitter,and

AndItheelderandmoreterrible.

Imtheolderandmoreterrible.Iwillgoout.

AndCaesarshallgoforth.
CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Alas,mylord,

Alas,mylord,yourconfidenceisgettingthebetterofyour

Yourwisdomisconsumedinconfidence.

wisdom.Dontgoouttoday.Saythatitsmyfearthatkeeps

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33

Donotgoforthtoday.Callitmyfear

youinsideandnotyourown.WellsendMarkAntonytothe

Thatkeepsyouinthehouse,andnotyourown.

senatehouse,andhellsaythatyouresicktoday.(shekneels)

WellsendMarkAntonytothesenatehouse,

Letme,onmyknees,winyouovertothisplan.

Andheshallsayyouarenotwelltoday.
(kneels)Letme,uponmyknee,prevailinthis.

55

60

65

CAESAR

CAESAR

MarkAntonyshallsayIamnotwell,

Allright.MarkAntonywillsayImnotwell,andtopleaseyou

AndforthyhumorIwillstayathome.

Illstayathome.

CALPHURNIArises

CALPHURNIAgetsup.

EnterDECIUS

DECIUSenters.

HeresDeciusBrutus.Heshalltellthemso.

HeresDeciusBrutus.Helltellthemso.

DECIUS

DECIUS

Caesar,allhail!Goodmorrow,worthyCaesar.

Hail,Caesar!Goodmorning,worthyCaesar.Ivecometotake

Icometo fetchyoutothesenatehouse.

youtothesenatehouse.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Andyouarecomeinveryhappytime

Andyouvecomeatagoodtime,soyoucanconveymy

Tobearmygreetingtothesenators

greetingstothesenatorsandtellthemIwontcometoday.It

AndtellthemthatIwillnotcometoday.

wouldntbetruetosaythatIcantcome,andevenlesstrueto

Cannotisfalse,andthatIdarenot,falser.

saythatIdontdarecome.Isimply wontcometoday.Tell

Iwillnotcometoday.Tellthemso,Decius.

themso,Decius.

CALPHURNIA

CALPHURNIA

Sayheissick.

Sayhessick.

CAESAR

CAESAR

ShallCaesarsendalie?

WouldIsendalie?HaveIaccomplishedsomuchinbattle,

HaveIinconqueststretchedminearmsofar

butnowImafraidtotellsomeoldmenthetruth?

Tobeafraidtotellgraybeardsthetruth?
Decius,gotellthemCaesarwillnotcome.

70

75

80

Decius,gotellthemthatCaesarwontcome.

DECIUS

DECIUS

Mostmighty Caesar,letmeknowsomecause,

MostmightyCaesar,givemesomereason,soIwontbe

LestIbelaughedatwhenItellthemso.

laughedatwhenItellthemso.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Thecauseisinmywill.Iwillnotcome.

ThereasonisthatitswhatIwant.Imnotcoming.Thats

Thatisenoughtosatisfythesenate.

enoughforthesenate.Butforyourprivatesatisfaction,

Butforyourprivatesatisfaction,

becauseIloveyou,Illtellyou.Calphurnia,mywife,iskeeping

BecauseIloveyou,Iwillletyouknow.

meathome.Lastnight,shedreamedshesawastatueofme

Calphurniahere,mywife,staysmeathome.

withahundredholesinit,likeafountainwithpureblood

Shedreamttonightshesawmystatue,

flowingfromit,andmanyhappyRomanscamesmilingand

Which,likeafountainwithanhundredspouts,

washedtheirhandsinit.Shetakesthesesignsforwarnings

Didrunpureblood.AndmanylustyRomans

andpredictionsofterribleevilstocome,and,onherknee,she

Camesmilinganddidbathetheirhandsinit.

beggedmetostayhometoday.

Andthesedoessheapplyforwarningsandportents
Andevilsimminent,andonherknee
HathbeggedthatIwillstayathometoday.

85

DECIUS

DECIUS

Thisdreamisallamissinterpreted.

Thisdreamhasbeeninterpretedallwrong.Itwasagoodand

Itwasavisionfairandfortunate.

luckyvision.Yourstatuespoutingbloodthroughmanyholes,

Yourstatuespoutingbloodinmanypipes,

inwhichmanysmilingRomansbathed,meansthatyoull

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34

InwhichsomanysmilingRomansbathed,

providegreatRomewithsustainingblood,andthatgreatmen

SignifiesthatfromyougreatRomeshallsuck

willstrivetogetsometokenofapprovalfromyourholyblood.

Revivingblood,andthatgreatmenshallpress

ThisiswhatCalphurniasdreammeans.

Fortinctures,stains,relics,andcognizance.
90

ThisbyCalphurniasdreamissignified.
CAESAR

CAESAR

Andthiswayhaveyouwellexpoundedit.

Youveofferedanexcellentinterpretation.

DECIUS

DECIUS

Ihave,whenyouhaveheardwhatIcansay.

IwillhavewhenyouheartherestofwhatIhavetosay.The

Andknowitnow:thesenatehaveconcluded

senatehasdecidedtogivemightyCaesaracrowntoday.

TogivethisdayacrowntomightyCaesar.

95

100

OriginalText

ModernText

Ifyoushallsendthemwordyouwillnotcome,

Ifyousendthemwordthatyouwontcome,theymightchange

Theirmindsmaychange.Besides,itwereamock

theirminds.Besides,someoneslikelytojoke,Adjournthe

Apttoberenderedforsomeonetosay,

senateuntilsomeothertime,whenCaesarswifehashad

Breakupthesenatetillanothertime

betterdreams.Ifyouhideyourself,wonttheywhisper,

WhenCaesarswifeshallmeetwithbetterdreams.

Caesarisafraid?Pardonme,Caesar.Myhighhopesfor

IfCaesarhidehimself,shalltheynotwhisper,

youradvancementforcemetotellyouthis.Mylovegetsthe

Lo,Caesarisafraid?

betterofmymanners.

Pardonme,Caesar.Formydear,dearlove
Toyourproceedingbidsmetellyouthis,
Andreasontomyloveisliable.

105

CAESAR

CAESAR

Howfoolishdoyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia!

Howfoolishyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia!Imashamed

IamashamdIdidyieldtothem.

thatIyieldedtothem.Givememyrobe,becauseImgoing.

Givememyrobe,forIwillgo.

110

EnterBRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA,TREBONIUS,CINNA,and

PUBLIUS,BRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA,

PUBLIUS

TREBONIUS,andCINNAenter.

Andlook,wherePubliusiscometofetchme.

Andlook,heresPublius,cometofetchme.

PUBLIUS

PUBLIUS

Goodmorrow,Caesar.

Goodmorning,Caesar.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Welcome,Publius.

Welcome,Publius.What,Brutus?Areyouupthisearlytoo?

What,Brutus,areyoustirredsoearlytoo?

Goodmorning,Casca.CaiusLigarius,Iwasneveryourenemy

Goodmorrow,Casca.CaiusLigarius,

somuchasthesicknessthatsmadeyousothin.Whattimeis

Caesarwasne'ersomuchyourenemy

it?

Asthatsameaguewhichhathmadeyoulean.
115

Whatisto'clock?
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Caesar,tisstruckeneight.

Caesar,theclockhasstruckeight.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Ithankyouforyourpainsandcourtesy.

Ithankyouallforyourtroubleandcourtesy.

EnterANTONY

ANTONYenters.

See,Antony,thatrevelslonganights,

See!EvenAntony,whostaysupallnightpartying,isawake.

Isnotwithstandingup.Goodmorrow,Antony.

Goodmorning,Antony.

ANTONY

ANTONY

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SotomostnobleCaesar.

Andtoyou,mostnobleCaesar.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Bidthempreparewithin.

Tellthemtopreparetheotherroomforguests.Imtoblame

Iamtoblametobethuswaitedfor.

formakingyouwaitforme.Now,Cinna.Now,Metellus.

Now,Cinna.Now,Metellus.What,Trebonius,

Trebonius!Ihaveanhourlongmattertodiscusswithyou.

Ihaveanhourstalkinstoreforyou.

Remembertoseemetoday.StaynearmesoIllremember.

Rememberthatyoucallonmetoday.
Benearme,thatImayrememberyou.
TREBONIUS

TREBONIUS

Caesar,Iwill.(aside)AndsonearwillIbe

Caesar,Iwill.(speakingquietlytohimself)Infact,Illbeso

ThatyourbestfriendsshallwishIhadbeenfurther.

nearthatyourbestfriendswillwishIdbeenfurtheraway.

125

CAESAR

CAESAR

Goodfriends,goinandtastesomewinewithme.

Goodfriends,goinandhavesomewinewithme.Andwell

Andwe,likefriends,willstraightwaygotogether.

leavetogether,likefriends.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(aside)Thateverylikeisnotthesame,OCaesar,

(quietlytohimself)ThatwearenowonlylikefriendsOh

TheheartofBrutusearnstothinkupon.

Caesarmakesmyheartache.

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

EnterARTEMIDORUS,readingaletter

ARTEMIDORUSenters,readingaletter.

130

Act2,Scene3

10

15

ARTEMIDORUS

ARTEMIDORUS

(readsaloud)

(readingaloudfromtheletter)

Caesar,bewareofBrutus.TakeheedofCassius.ComenotnearCasca.Havean

Caesar,bewareofBrutus.WatchCassius.Dontgonear

eyetoCinna.TrustnotTrebonius.MarkwellMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusloves

Casca.KeepaneyeonCinna.DonttrustTrebonius.Pay

theenot.ThouhastwrongedCaiusLigarius.Thereisbutonemindinallthese

attentiontoMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusdoesntloveyou.

men,anditisbentagainstCaesar.Ifthoubeestnotimmortal,lookaboutyou.

YouvewrongedCaiusLigarius.Thesemenallhaveone

Securitygiveswaytoconspiracy.Themightygodsdefendthee!

intention,anditsdirectedagainstCaesar.Ifyouarent

Thylover,

immortal,watchthosearoundyou.Asenseofsecurityopens

Artemidorus

thedoortoconspiracy.Ipraythatthemightygodsdefendyou!

HerewillIstandtillCaesarpassalong,

Yourfriend,

AndasasuitorwillIgivehimthis.

Artemidorus.

Myheartlamentsthatvirtuecannotlive

IllstandhereuntilCaesarpassesby,andIllgivehimthisas

Outoftheteethofemulation.

thoughitsapetition.Myheartregretsthatgoodmenarent

Ifthoureadthis,OCaesar,thoumaystlive.

safefromthebiteofjealousrivals.Ifyoureadthis,Caesar,

Ifnot,theFateswithtraitorsdocontrive.

youmightlive.Ifnot,theFatesareonthesideofthetraitors.

Exit

Heexits.

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Act2,Scene4
EnterPORTIAandLUCIUS

PORTIAandLUCIUSenter.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Iprithee,boy,runtothesenatehouse.

Boy,Ibegyoutoruntothesenatehouse.Dontstayto

Staynottoanswerme,butgettheegone.

answermegetgoing.Whyareyoustillstandingthere?

Whydostthoustay?

10

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Toknowmyerrand,madam.

Tofindoutwhatyouwantmetodothere,madam.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Iwouldhavehadtheethereandhereagain

IwantyouthereandbackagainbeforeIcaneventellyou

EreIcantelltheewhatthoushouldstdothere.

whatyoushoulddothere.(toherself,sothatnoonecanhear

Oconstancy,bestronguponmyside,

her)Oh,letmydeterminationkeepmefromspeakingwhatis

Setahugemountaintweenmyheartandtongue!

inmyheart!Ihaveamansmind,butonlyawomansstrength.

Ihaveamansmindbutawomansmight.

How harditisforwomentokeepsecrets!(toLUCIUS)Areyou

Howharditisforwomentokeepcounsel!

stillhere?

Artthouhereyet?
LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Madam,whatshouldIdo?

Madam,whatshouldIdo?RuntotheCapitolandnothing

RuntotheCapitol,andnothingelse?

else?Andthenreturntoyouandnothingelse?

Andsoreturntoyou,andnothingelse?

15

20

25

PORTIA

PORTIA

Yes,bringmeword,boy,ifthylordlookwell,

Yes,returnandtellmeifyourmasterlookswell,becausehe

Forhewentsicklyforth.Andtakegoodnote

wassickwhenheleft.AndpayattentiontowhatCaesardoes

WhatCaesardoth,whatsuitorspresstohim.

andwhichmenareclosetohim.Listen,boy!Whatsthat

Hark,boy!Whatnoiseisthat?

noise?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Ihearnone,madam.

Idonthearanything,madam.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Prithee,listenwell.

Ibegyou,listenwell.Iheardanoiselikeascuffle.Thewind

Iheardabustlingrumorlikeafray,

bringsitfromtheCapitol.

AndthewindbringsitfromtheCapitol.
LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Sooth,madam,Ihearnothing.

Truly,madam,Idonthearanything.

EntertheSOOTHSAYER

TheSOOTHSAYERenters.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Comehither,fellow.Whichwayhastthoubeen?

Comehere,you.Whereareyoucomingfrom?

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

Atmineownhouse,goodlady.

Myownhouse,goodlady.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Whatisto'clock?

Whattimeisit?

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

Abouttheninthhour,lady.

Aroundnineo'clock,madam.

PORTIA

PORTIA

IsCaesaryetgonetotheCapitol?

HasCaesargonetotheCapitalyet?

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SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

Madam,notyet.Igototakemystand

Madam,notyet.ImgoingtostandsoIcanseehimpasson

ToseehimpassontotheCapitol.

thewaytotheCapitol.

PORTIA

PORTIA

ThouhastsomesuittoCaesar,hastthounot?

YouhavesomepleaforCaesar,dontyou?

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

ThatIhave,lady.IfitwillpleaseCaesar

Yes,Ido,lady.IfitpleasesCaesartobesogoodtohimselfas

TobesogoodtoCaesarastohearme,

tohearme,Illtrytogethimtodowhatsgoodforhim.

Ishallbeseechhimtobefriendhimself.
PORTIA

PORTIA

Why,knowstthouanyharmsintendedtowardshim?

Why,doyouknowofanyharmintendedtowardhim?

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

NonethatIknowwillbemuchthatIfearmaychance.

NothingthatIknowforsure,butalotthatImafraidmight

Goodmorrowtoyou.Herethestreetisnarrow.

happen.Goodmorningtoyou.Thestreetisnarrowhere.The

35

40

ThethrongthatfollowsCaesarattheheels,

crowdthatfollowsCaesarathisheelssenators,justices,

Ofsenators,ofpraetors,commonsuitors,

commonpetitionerswillsuffocateafeeblemanalmostto

Willcrowdafeeblemanalmosttodeath.

death.Illmovetoamoreopenplaceandtherespeaktogreat

Illgetmetoaplacemorevoid,andthere

Caesarashewalkspast.

SpeaktogreatCaesarashecomesalong.
ExitSOOTHSAYER

Heexits.

PORTIA

PORTIA

Imustgoin.(aside)Ayme,howweakathing

Imustgoin.(speakingquietlytoherself)Oh,awomansheart

Theheartofwomanis!OBrutus,

issoweak!OhBrutus,may thegodsaidyouinyourendeavor!

Theheavensspeedtheeinthineenterprise!

Surely,theboyheardme.(toLUCIUS)Brutushasaclaimthat

Sure,theboyheardme.(toLUCIUS)Brutushathasuit

Caesarwontgrant.Oh,Ifeelfaint.Run,Lucius,andspeak

ThatCaesarwillnotgrant.Oh,Igrowfaint.

wellofmetomylord.SaythatImhappy.Thenreturntome

Run,Lucius,andcommendmetomylord.

andtellmewhathesaystoyou.

45

SayIammerry.Cometomeagain,
Andbringmewordwhathedothsaytothee.
Exeuntseverally

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

FlourishEnterCAESAR,BRUTUS,CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS,

Acrowdofpeopleenters,amongthemARTEMIDORUSand

TREBONIUS,CINNA,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,PUBLIUS,andPOPILLIUSLENA

theSOOTHSAYER.Atrumpetplays.CAESAR,BRUTUS,

Act3,Scene1

withacrowdofpeople,includingARTEMIDORUSandtheSOOTHSAYER

CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS,TREBONIUS,
CINNA,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,POPILLIUS,PUBLIUS,and
othersenter.

CAESAR

CAESAR

(totheSOOTHSAYER)TheidesofMarcharecome.

(totheSOOTHSAYER)March15thhascome.

SOOTHSAYER

SOOTHSAYER

Ay,Caesar,butnotgone.

Yes,Caesar,butitsnotgoneyet.

ARTEMIDORUS

ARTEMIDORUS

(offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule.

(offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule.

DECIUS

DECIUS

(offeringCAESARanotherpaper)

(offeringCAESARanotherpaper)Treboniuswantsyoutolook

Treboniusdothdesireyoutoo'erread,

overhishumblepetition,atyourleisure.

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Atyourbestleisure,thishishumblesuit.

10

ARTEMIDORUS

ARTEMIDORUS

OCaesar,readminefirst,forminesasuit

Oh,Caesar,readminefirst,formypetitionaffectsyoumore

ThattouchesCaesarnearer.Readit,greatCaesar.

directly.Readit,greatCaesar.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Whattouchesusourselfshallbelastserved.

WhateverpertainstomyselfIwilldealwithlast.

ARTEMIDORUS

ARTEMIDORUS

Delaynot,Caesar.Readitinstantly.

Dontdelay,Caesar.Readitinstantly.

CAESAR

CAESAR

What,isthefellowmad?

What,isthemaninsane?

PUBLIUS
(toARTEMIDORUS)Sirrah,give

15

20

25

PUBLIUS
place.

(toARTEMIDORUS)Standaside,you.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

(toARTEMIDORUS)

(toARTEMIDORUS) What?Areyoupressingyourpetitionon

What,urgeyouyourpetitionsinthestreet?

thestreet?GototheCapitol.

CometotheCapitol.
CAESARspartymovesasidetothesenatehouse

CAESARgoesuptothesenatehouse,therestfollowing.

POPILLIUS

POPILLIUS

(toCASSIUS)Iwishyourenterprisetodaymaythrive.

(toCASSIUS)Ihopeyourendeavorgoeswelltoday.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Whatenterprise,Popillius?

Whatendeavor,Popillius?

POPILLIUS

POPILLIUS

Fareyouwell.

Goodluck.

(approachesCAESAR)

POPILLIUSapproachesCAESAR.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(toCASSIUS) WhatsaidPopilliusLena?

(toCASSIUS) WhatdidPopilliusLenasay?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

(asidetoBRUTUS)

(speakingsothatonlyBRUTUScanhear)Hewishedthatour

Hewishedtodayourenterprisemightthrive.

endeavorwouldgowelltoday.Imafraidwevebeenfound

Ifearourpurposeisdiscoverd.

out.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

LookhowhemakestoCaesar.Markhim.

Look,hesapproachingCaesar.Keepaneyeonhim.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Casca,besudden,forwefearprevention

Casca,bequick,becausewereworriedwemightbestopped.

Brutus,whatshallbedone?Ifthisbeknown,

Brutus,whatwillwedo?Ifoursecretsknown,eitherCaesar

CassiusorCaesarnevershallturnback,

orIwilldie,forIllkillmyself.

ForIwillslaymyself.

30

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Cassius,beconstant.

Cassius,standfirm.PopilliusLenawasnttalkingaboutour

PopilliusLenaspeaksnotofourpurposes.

plotfor,look,hessmiling,andCaesarsexpressionisthe

For,look,hesmiles,andCaesardothnotchange.

same.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Treboniusknowshistime.For,lookyou,Brutus.

Treboniusknowshiscue.See,Brutus,hespullingMark

HedrawsMarkAntonyoutoftheway.

Antonyaside.

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39

ExeuntTREBONIUSandANTONY

TREBONIUSandANTONYexit.

DECIUS

DECIUS

WhereisMetellusCimber?Lethimgo

WheresMetellusCimber?Heshouldgoupandofferhis

AndpresentlypreferhissuittoCaesar.

petitiontoCaesarnow.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Heisaddressed.Pressnearandsecondhim.

Theyrespeakingtohim.Goupthereandsecondhispetition.

CINNA

CINNA

Casca,youarethefirstthatrearsyourhand.

Casca,youllbethefirsttoraiseyourhand.

CAESAR

CAESAR

Areweallready?Whatisnowamiss

Areweallready?WhatproblemshouldIdiscusswithyou

ThatCaesarandhissenatemustredress?

first?

METELLUS

METELLUS

(kneeling)

(kneeling)Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpowerfulCaesar,

Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpuissantCaesar,

MetellusCimberkneelsbeforeyouwithahumbleheart

MetellusCimberthrowsbeforethyseat
40

45

Anhumbleheart
CAESAR

CAESAR

Imustpreventthee,Cimber.

Ihavetostopyou,Cimber.Thesekneelingsandhumble

Thesecouchingsandtheselowlycourtesies

courtesiesmightexciteordinarymen,flatteringtheminto

Mightfirethebloodofordinarymen

turningRomanlawintochildrensgames.Butdontbeso

Andturnpreordinanceandfirstdecree

foolishastothinkyoucanswaymefromwhatsrightbyusing

Intothelawofchildren.Benotfond,

thetacticsthatpersuadefoolsImeanthisflattery,lowbows,

TothinkthatCaesarbearssuchrebelblood

andpuppylikefawning.Yourbrotherhasbeenbanishedby

Thatwillbethawedfromthetruequality

decree.Ifyoukneelandbegandflatterforhim,Illkickyouout

WiththatwhichmeltethfoolsImean,sweetwords,

ofmywaylikeIwouldadog.KnowthatIamnotunjust,andI

Lowcrookdcurtsies,andbasespanielfawning.

willnotgranthimapardonwithoutreason.

Thybrotherbydecreeisbanishd.
50

Ifthoudostbendandprayandfawnforhim,
Ispurntheelikeacuroutofmyway.
Know,Caesardothnotwrong,norwithoutcause
Willhebesatisfied.

55

METELLUS

METELLUS

Istherenovoicemoreworthythanmyown

IstherenovoiceworthierthanmyowntoappealtoCaesarto

TosoundmoresweetlyingreatCaesarsear

repealtheorderthatmybrotherbebanished?

Fortherepealingofmybanishedbrother?
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(kneeling)Ikissthyhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar,

(kneeling)Ikissyourhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar.Iask

DesiringtheethatPubliusCimbermay

youtorepealPubliusCimbersbanishmentimmediately.

Haveanimmediatefreedomofrepeal.

60

CAESAR

CAESAR

What,Brutus?

What,evenyou,Brutus?

CASSIUS
(kneeling)Pardon,Caesar.Caesar,

CASSIUS
pardon.

AslowastothyfootdothCassiusfall

(kneeling)Pardonhim,Caesar,pardonhim.Ifalltoyourfeet
tobegyoutorestorePubliusCimbertocitizenship.

TobegenfranchisementforPubliusCimber.
CAESAR

CAESAR

IcouldbewellmovedifIwereasyou.

IcouldbeconvincedifIwerelikeyou.IfIcouldbegothersto

IfIcouldpraytomove,prayerswouldmoveme.

changetheirminds,beggingwouldconvinceme,too.ButIm

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70

75

ButIamconstantasthenorthernstar,

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40

asimmovableasthenorthernstar,whosestableand

Ofwhosetruefixedandrestingquality

stationaryqualityhasnoequalinthesky.Theskyshows

Thereisnofellowinthefirmament.

countlessstars.Theyreallmadeoffire,andeachoneshines.

Theskiesarepaintedwithunnumberedsparks.

Butonlyoneamongallofthemremainsinafixedposition.So

Theyareallfireandeveryonedothshine,

itisonearth.Theworldisfullofmen,andmenarefleshand

Buttheresbutoneinalldothholdhisplace.

blood,andtheyarecapableofreason.Yetoutofallofthem,I

Sointheworld.'Tisfurnishedwellwithmen,

knowonlyonewhoisunassailable,whonevermovesfromhis

Andmenarefleshandblood,andapprehensive,

position.Toshowyouthatthatsme,letmeproveitalittle

YetinthenumberIdoknowbutone

eveninthiscase.IwasfirminorderingthatCimberbe

Thatunassailableholdsonhisrank,

banished,andIremainfirminthatdecision.

Unshakedofmotion.AndthatIamhe
Letmealittleshowiteveninthis:
ThatIwasconstantCimbershouldbebanished,
Andconstantdoremaintokeephimso.

80

CINNA

CINNA

(kneeling)OCaesar

(kneeling)Oh,Caesar

CAESAR

CAESAR

Hence!WiltthouliftupOlympus?

Enough!WouldyoutrytoliftMountOlympus?

DECIUS

DECIUS

(kneeling)GreatCaesar

(kneeling)GreatCaesar

CAESAR

CAESAR

DothnotBrutusbootlesskneel?

HaventIresistedevenBrutus,beggingfromhisknees?

CASCA

CASCA

Speak,hands,forme!

Hands,speakforme!

CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR,BRUTUSlast

CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR.BRUTUS
stabshimlast.

85

90

CAESAR

CAESAR

Ettu,Brut?Thenfall,Caesar.

Andyoutoo,Brutus?Inthatcase,die,Caesar.

(dies)

(hedies)

CINNA

CINNA

Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!

Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!Runandproclaimitinthe

Runhence,proclaim,cryitaboutthestreets.

streets.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Sometothecommonpulpits,andcryout,

Someshouldgotothepublicplatformsandcryout,Liberty,

Liberty,freedom,andenfranchisement!

freedom,anddemocracy!

Confusion.Exeuntsomeplebiansandsenators

Confusion.Somecitizensandsenatorsexit.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Peopleandsenators,benotaffrighted.

Peopleandsenators,dontbeafraid.Dontrunawaystay

Flynot.Standstill.Ambitionsdebtispaid.

whereyouare.OnlyCaesarhadtodieforhisambition.

CASCA

CASCA

Gotothepulpit,Brutus.

Gototheplatform,Brutus.

DECIUS

DECIUS

AndCassiustoo.

AndCassiustoo.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

WheresPublius?

WheresPublius?

CINNA

CINNA

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41

Here,quiteconfoundedwiththismutiny.

Here.Hescompletelystunnedbythismutiny.

METELLUS

METELLUS

Standfasttogether,lestsomefriendofCaesars

Standclosetogether,incasesomeoneloyaltoCaesartries

Shouldchance

to

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Talknotofstanding.Publius,goodcheer.

Donttalkaboutstandingtogether.Publius,cheerup.We

Thereisnoharmintendedtoyourperson,

dontintendanyharmtoyou,nortoanyoneelse.Tellthem

NortonoRomanelse.Sotellthem,Publius.

this,Publius.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Andleaveus,Publius,lestthatthepeople,

Andleaveus,Publius,incasethepeoplestormingusshould

Rushingonus,shoulddoyouragesomemischief.

harmyou.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Doso.Andletnomanabidethisdeed

Doso.Andletnoonesufferforthisdeedexceptus,the

Butwethedoers.

perpetrators.

ExitPUBLIUS

PUBLIUSexits.

EnterTREBONIUS

TREBONIUSenters.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

WhereisAntony?

WheresAntony?

TREBONIUS

TREBONIUS

Fledtohishouseamazed.

Herantohishouse,stunned.Men,wives,andchildrenstare,

Men,wives,andchildrenstare,cryout,andrun

cryout,andruninthestreetsasthoughitweredoomsday.

Asitweredoomsday.

110

115

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Fates,wewillknowyourpleasures.

Wellsoonfindoutwhatfatehasinstoreforus.Allweknowis

Thatweshalldie,weknow.'Tisbutthetime,

thatwelldiesometime,whichisallanyoneeverknows,

Anddrawingdaysout,thatmenstandupon.

thoughwetrytodrawoutourdaysforaslongaspossible.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Why,hethatcutsofftwentyyearsoflife

Why,themanwhoshortenshislifebytwentyyearscutsoff

Cutsoffsomanyyearsoffearingdeath.

twentyyearsofworryingaboutdeath.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Grantthat,andthenisdeathabenefit.

So,then,deathisagift,andweareCaesarsfriends,forweve

SoareweCaesarsfriends,thathaveabridged

donehimaservicebyshorteninghistimespentfearingdeath.

Histimeoffearingdeath.Stoop,Romans,stoop,

Kneel,Romans,kneel,andletswashourhands,uptothe

AndletusbatheourhandsinCaesarsblood

elbows,inCaesarsbloodandsmearitonourswords.Then

Uptotheelbows,andbesmearourswords.

wellgoout,eventothemarketplace,and,wavingourbloody

Thenwalkweforth,eventothemarketplace,

swordsoverourheads,letscry,Peace,freedom,andliberty!

Andwavingourredweaponso'erourheads
120

Letsallcry,Peace,freedom,andliberty!
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Stoop,then,andwash.

Kneelthen,andwash.

TheconspiratorssmeartheirhandsandswordswithCAESARsblood

Theconspiratorssmeartheirhandsandswordswith
CAESARsblood.

Howmanyageshence

Howmanyyearsfromnowwillthisheroicscenebereenacted

Shallthisourloftyscenebeactedover

incountriesthatdontevenexistyetandinlanguagesnotyet

Instatesunbornandaccentsyetunknown!

known!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

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HowmanytimesshallCaesarbleedinsport,

HowmanytimeswillCaesarbleedagaininshow,thoughhe

ThatnowonPompeysbasisliesalong

nowliesatthebaseofPompeysstatue,asworthlessasdust!

Noworthierthanthedust!
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Sooftasthatshallbe,

Asoftenasitsreplayed,ourgroupwillbehailedasthemen

Sooftenshalltheknotofusbecalled

whogavetheircountryliberty.

Thementhatgavetheircountryliberty.

130

DECIUS

DECIUS

What,shallweforth?

Well,shouldwegoout?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ay,everymanaway.

Yes,everymanforward.Brutuswilllead,andwellfollowhim

Brutusshalllead,andwewillgracehisheels

withtheboldestandbestheartsofRome.

WiththemostboldestandbestheartsofRome.
EnterANTONY'SSERVANT

135

ANTONY'SSERVANTenters.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Soft!Whocomeshere?AfriendofAntonys.

Waitaminute.Whosthatcoming?ItsafriendofAntonys.

ANTONY'SSERVANT

ANTONY'SSERVANT

(kneeling)Thus,Brutus,didmymasterbidmekneel.

(kneeling)Brutus,mymasterorderedmetokneellikethis.(he

(fallsprostrate)ThusdidMarkAntonybidmefalldown,

kneels,headbowedlow)Heorderedmetokneellow,and,

And,beingprostrate,thushebademesay:

fromtheground,likethis,heorderedmetosay:Brutusis

Brutusisnoble,wise,valiant,andhonest.

noble,wise,brave,andhonest.Caesarwasmighty,bold,

Caesarwasmighty,bold,royal,andloving.

royal,andloving.AntonylovesBrutusandhonorshim.Antony

SayIloveBrutus,andIhonorhim.

fearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim.

SayIfearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim.
140

145

IfBrutuswillvouchsafethatAntony

IfBrutuswillswearthatAntonymaycometohimsafelyandbe

Maysafelycometohimandberesolved

convincedthatCaesardeservedtobekilled,MarkAntonywill

HowCaesarhathdeservedtolieindeath,

lovedeadCaesarnotnearlyasmuchaslivingBrutus,and

MarkAntonyshallnotloveCaesardead

withtruefaithhellfollowthedestinyandaffairsofnoble

SowellasBrutusliving,butwillfollow

Brutusthroughthedifficultiesofthisunprecedentedstateof

ThefortunesandaffairsofnobleBrutus

affairs.Thatswhatmymaster,Antony,says.

Thoroughthehazardsofthisuntrodstate
Withalltruefaith.SosaysmymasterAntony.

150

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

ThymasterisawiseandvaliantRoman.

YourmasterisawiseandhonorableRoman.Ineverthought

Ineverthoughthimworse.

anylessofhim.Tellhim,ifhecomeshere,Illexplain

Tellhim,sopleasehimcomeuntothisplace,

everythingtohimand,onmyword,hellleaveunharmed.

Heshallbesatisfiedand,bymyhonor,
Departuntouched.

155

ANTONY'SSERVANT

ANTONY'SSERVANT

(rising)Illfetchhimpresently.

(gettingup)Illgethimnow.

ExitANTONY'SSERVANT

ANTONY'SSERVANTexits.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iknowthatweshallhavehimwelltofriend.

Iknowthathellbeonourside.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iwishwemay.ButyethaveIamind

Ihopewecancountonhim,butIstillfearhim,andmy

Thatfearshimmuch,andmymisgivingstill

hunchesareusuallyaccurate.

Fallsshrewdlytothepurpose.

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160

Modern Text

EnterANTONY

ANTONYenters.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony.

ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony.

ANTONY

ANTONY

43

OmightyCaesar!Dostthouliesolow?

Oh,mightyCaesar!Doyouliesolow?Haveallyour

Areallthyconquests,glories,triumphs,spoils,

conquests,glories,triumphs,achievements,cometosolittle?

Shrunktothislittlemeasure?Faretheewell.

Farewell.Gentlemen,Idontknowwhatyouintendtodo,who

Iknownot,gentlemen,whatyouintend,

elseyouintendtokill,whoelseyouconsidercorrupt.

Whoelsemustbeletblood,whoelseisrank.
OriginalText

165

170

ModernText

IfImyself,thereisnohoursofit

Ifitsme,theresnotimeasgoodasthishourofCaesars

AsCaesarsdeathshour,nornoinstrument

death,andnoweaponbetterthanyourswords,coveredwith

Ofhalfthatworthasthoseyourswords,maderich

thenoblestbloodintheworld.Iaskyou,ifyouhaveagrudge

Withthemostnoblebloodofallthisworld.

againstme,tokillmenow,whileyourstainedhandsstillreek

Idobeseechye,ifyoubearmehard,

ofblood.IcouldliveathousandyearsandIwouldntbeas

Now,whilstyourpurpledhandsdoreekandsmoke,

readytodieasIamnow.TheresnoplaceIdratherdiethan

Fulfillyourpleasure.Liveathousandyears,

herebyCaesar,andnomannerofdeathwouldpleaseme

Ishallnotfindmyselfsoapttodie.

morethanbeingstabbedbyyou,themastersofthisnewera.

Noplacewillpleasemeso,nomeanofdeath,
AsherebyCaesar,andbyyoucutoff,
Thechoiceandmasterspiritsofthisage.

175

180

185

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

OAntony,begnotyourdeathofus.

Oh,Antony,dontbegustokillyou.Thoughweseembloody

Thoughnowwemustappearbloodyandcruel

andcruelrightnow,withourbloodyhandsandthisdeed

Asbyourhandsandthisourpresentact

wevedone,youveonlyseenourhandsandtheirbloody

Youseewedoyetseeyoubutourhands

businessyouhaventlookedintoourhearts.Theyarefullof

Andthisthebleedingbusinesstheyhavedone.

pityforCaesar.Butastrongerpity,forthewrongscommitted

Ourheartsyouseenot.Theyarepitiful.

againstRome,droveoutourpityforCaesar,asfiredrivesout

AndpitytothegeneralwrongofRome

fire,andsowekilledhim.Foryou,ourswordshaveblunt

Asfiredrivesoutfire,sopitypity

edges,toodulltoharmyou,MarkAntony.Ourarms,which

HathdonethisdeedonCaesar.Foryourpart,

canbestrongandcruel,andourhearts,filledwithbrotherly

Toyouourswordshaveleadenpoints,MarkAntony.

love,embraceyouwithkindlove,goodthoughts,and

Ourarmsinstrengthofmaliceandourhearts

reverence.

Ofbrothers'temperdoreceiveyouin
Withallkindlove,goodthoughts,andreverence.

190

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Yourvoiceshallbeasstrongasanymans

Yourvotewillbeasstrongasanyonesinthereorderingofthe

Inthedisposingofnewdignities.

government.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Onlybepatienttillwehaveappeased

Butjustbepatientuntilwevecalmedthemasses,whoare

Themultitude,besidethemselveswithfear,

besidethemselveswithfear.ThenwellexplaintoyouwhyI,

Andthenwewilldeliveryouthecause,

wholovedCaesarevenwhileIstabbedhim,havetakenthis

WhyI,thatdidloveCaesarwhenIstruckhim,

courseofaction.

Havethusproceeded.

195

ANTONY

ANTONY

Idoubtnotofyourwisdom.

Idontdoubtyourwisdom.Eachofyou,givemeyourbloody

Leteachmanrendermehisbloodyhand.

hand.(heshakeshandswiththeconspirators)First,Marcus

(shakeshandswiththeconspirators)

Brutus,Ishakeyourhand.Next,CaiusCassius,Itakeyour

First,MarcusBrutus,willIshakewithyou.

hand.Now,DeciusBrutus,yours.Nowyours,Metellus.Yours,

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200

205

210

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44

Next,CaiusCassius,doItakeyourhand.

Cinna.Andyours,mybraveCasca.Lastbutnotleast,yours,

Now,DeciusBrutus,yours.Nowyours,Metellus.

goodTrebonius.Youareallgentlemenalas,whatcanIsay?

Yours,Cinna.And,myvaliantCasca,yours.

NowthatIveshakenyourhands,youlltakemeforeithera

Thoughlast,notlastinlove,yours,goodTrebonius.

cowardoraflattererineithercase,mycredibilitystandson

Gentlemenall,alas,whatshallIsay?

slipperyground.ItstruethatIlovedyou,Caesarnothing

Mycreditnowstandsonsuchslipperyground

couldbetruer.Ifyourspiritislookingdownuponusnow,it

Thatoneoftwobadwaysyoumustconceitme,

musthurtyoumorethanevenyourdeathtoseeyourAntony

Eitheracowardoraflatterer

makingpeaceshakingthebloodyhandsofyourenemiesin

ThatIdidlovethee,Caesar,O,tistrue.

frontofyourcorpse.IfIhadasmanyeyesasyouhave

Ifthenthyspiritlookuponusnow,

wounds,andtheyweptasfastasyourwoundsstreamblood

Shallitnotgrievetheedearerthanthydeath

eventhatwouldbemorebecomingthanjoiningyourenemies

ToseethyAntonymakinghispeace,

infriendship.Forgiveme,Julius!Onthisveryspotyouwere

Shakingthebloodyfingersofthyfoes

hunteddown,likeabravedeer.Andhereyoufell,whereyour

Mostnoble!inthepresenceofthycorse?

huntersarenowstanding.Thespotismarkedbyyourdeath

HadIasmanyeyesasthouhastwounds,

andstainedbyyourblood.Ohworld,youweretheforestto

Weepingasfastastheystreamforththyblood,

thisdeer,andthisdeer,ohworld,wasyourdear.Nowyoulie

Itwouldbecomemebetterthantoclose

here,stabbedbymanyprinces!

Intermsoffriendshipwiththineenemies.
215

Pardonme,Julius!Herewastthoubayed,bravehart
Heredidstthoufallandherethyhuntersstand,
Signedinthyspoil,andcrimsonedinthylethe.
Oworld,thouwasttheforesttothishart,
Andthisindeed,Oworld,theheartofthee.

220

Howlikeadeer,struckenbymanyprinces,
Dostthouherelie!

225

230

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

MarkAntony

MarkAntony

ANTONY

ANTONY

Pardonme,CaiusCassius.

Pardonme,CaiusCassius.EvenCaesarsenemieswouldsay

TheenemiesofCaesarshallsaythis

thesame.Fromafriend,itsacoolassessmentnomore

Then,inafriend,itiscoldmodesty.

thanthat.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

IblameyounotforpraisingCaesarso.

IdontblameyouforpraisingCaesarlikethis,butwhat

Butwhatcompactmeanyoutohavewithus?

agreementdoyouintendtoreachwithus?Willyoube

Willyoubeprickedinnumberofourfriends?

countedasourfriend,orshouldweproceedwithout

Orshallweon,andnotdependonyou?

dependingonyou?

ANTONY

ANTONY

ThereforeItookyourhands,butwasindeed

Itookyourhandsinfriendship,but,indeed,Iwasdistracted

SwayedfromthepointbylookingdownonCaesar.

whenIlookeddownatCaesar.Iamfriendswithyoualland

FriendsamIwithyouallandloveyouall

loveyouall,ononeconditionthatyouprovetomethat

Uponthishope:thatyoushallgivemereasons

Caesarwasdangerous.

WhyandwhereinCaesarwasdangerous.

235

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Orelsewerethisasavagespectacle!

Withoutthatproof,thiswouldvebeenasavageaction!Our

Ourreasonsaresofullofgoodregard

reasonsaresowellconsideredthatevenifyou,Antony,were

Thatwereyou,Antony,thesonofCaesar,

Caesarsson,youwouldbesatisfiedwiththem.

Youshouldbesatisfied.
ANTONY

ANTONY

ThatsallIseek.

ThatsallIaskandthatyouletmecarryhisbodytothe

AndammoreoversuitorthatImay

marketplaceand,asafriendoughttodo,standonthe

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Modern Text

Producehisbodytothemarketplace,

45

platformandgiveaproperfuneraloration.

Andinthepulpit,asbecomesafriend,
Speakintheorderofhisfuneral.

245

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Youshall,MarkAntony.

Youmay,MarkAntony.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Brutus,awordwithyou.

Brutus,may Ihaveawordwithyou?(speakingsothatonly

(asidetoBRUTUS)Youknownotwhatyoudo.

BRUTUScanhear)Youdontknowwhatyouredoing.Dont

Donotconsent

letAntonyspeakathisfuneral.Dontyouknowhowmuchthe

ThatAntonyspeakinhisfuneral.

peoplecouldbeaffectedbywhathesays?

Knowyouhowmuchthepeoplemaybemoved
Bythatwhichhewillutter?
BRUTUS
(asidetoCASSIUS)Byyour
250

255

BRUTUS
pardon.

(speakingsothatonlyCASSIUScanhear)Withyour

Iwillmyselfintothepulpitfirst,

permission,Illstandontheplatformfirstandexplainthe

AndshowthereasonofourCaesarsdeath.

reasonforCaesarsdeath.

WhatAntonyshallspeak,Iwillprotest,

WhatAntonysays,Illannounce,hesaysonlybyour

Hespeaksbyleaveandbypermission,

permissionandbyourconvictionthatCaesarshouldbe

AndthatwearecontentedCaesarshall

honoredwithalltheusualandlawfulceremonies.Itllhelpus

Havealltrueritesandlawfulceremonies.

morethanhurtus.

Itshalladvantagemorethandouswrong.
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

(asidetoBRUTUS)Iknownotwhatmayfall.Ilikeitnot.

(speakingsothatonlyBRUTUScanhear)Imworriedabout
theoutcomeofhisspeech.Idontlikethisplan.

260

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

MarkAntony,here,takeyouCaesarsbody.

MarkAntony,takeCaesarsbody.Youwillnotblameusin

Youshallnotinyourfuneralspeechblameus,

yourfuneralspeech,butwillsayallthegoodyouwantto

ButspeakallgoodyoucandeviseofCaesar,

aboutCaesarandthatyoudoitbyourpermission.Otherwise,

Andsayyoudotbyourpermission.

youllhavenoroleatallinhisfuneral.Andyoullspeakonthe

Elseshallyounothaveanyhandatall

sameplatformasIdo,afterImdone.

Abouthisfuneral.Andyoushallspeak
InthesamepulpitwheretoIamgoing,
265

Aftermyspeechisended.
ANTONY

ANTONY

Beitso.

Sobeit.Idontwantanythingmore.

Idodesirenomore.

270

275

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Preparethebodythen,andfollowus.

Preparethebody,then,andfollowus.

Exeunt.ManetANTONY

EveryoneexceptANTONYexits.

ANTONY

ANTONY

O,pardonme,thoubleedingpieceofearth,

Oh,pardonme,youbleedingcorpse,forspeakingpolitelyand

ThatIammeekandgentlewiththesebutchers!

actingmildlywiththesebutchers!Youarewhatsleftofthe

Thouarttheruinsofthenoblestman

noblestmanthateverlived.Pitythehandthatshedthis

Thateverlivdinthetideoftimes.

valuableblood.Overyourwoundswhich,likespeechless

Woetothehandthatshedthiscostlyblood!

mouths,opentheirredlips,asthoughtobegmetospeakI

OverthywoundsnowdoIprophesy

predictthatacursewillfalluponthebodiesofmen.

Which,likedumbmouths,doopetheirrubylips
Tobegthevoiceandutteranceofmytongue

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46

Acurseshalllightuponthelimbsofmen.
Domesticfuryandfiercecivilstrife

FiercecivilwarwillparalyzeallofItaly.Bloodanddestruction
willbesocommonandfamiliarthatmotherswillmerelysmile

280

ShallcumberallthepartsofItaly.
Bloodanddestructionshallbesoinuse,
Anddreadfulobjectssofamiliar,

whentheirinfantsarecuttopiecesbythehandsofwar.
Peoplescapacityforsympathywillgrowtiredandweakfrom
thesheerquantityofcrueldeeds.AndCaesarsghost,
searchingforrevengewiththegoddessAtebyhisside,justup
fromHell,willcryinthevoiceofaking,Havoc!andunleash

285

Thatmothersshallbutsmilewhentheybehold

thedogsofwar.Thisfouldeedwillstinkuptotheskywith
menscorpses,whichwillbegtobeburied.

Theirinfantsquarteredwiththehandsofwar,
Allpitychokedwithcustomoffelldeeds,
290

AndCaesarsspirit,rangingforrevenge,
WithAtebyhissidecomehotfromhell,
Shallintheseconfineswithamonarchsvoice
CryHavoc!andletslipthedogsofwar,
Thatthisfouldeedshallsmellabovetheearth
Withcarrionmen,groaningforburial.

295

EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters.

YouserveOctaviusCaesar,doyounot?

YouserveOctaviusCaesar,right?

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

Ido,MarkAntony.

Ido,MarkAntony.

ANTONY

ANTONY

CaesardidwriteforhimtocometoRome.

CaesarwroteforhimtocometoRome.

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

Hedidreceivehislettersandiscoming.

HereceivedCaesarsletters,andheiscoming.Hetoldmeto
saytoyou(seeingCAESAR'sbody)Oh,Caesar!

Andbidmesaytoyoubywordofmouth
(seesCAESARsbody)OCaesar!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Thyheartisbig.Gettheeapartandweep.

Yourheartisbiggoaheadandweep.Griefseemstobe
contagious,formyeyes,seeingthetearsinyours,beganto

300

Passion,Isee,iscatching,formineeyes,
Seeingthosebeadsofsorrowstandinthine,

fill.Isyourmastercoming?

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47

Begantowater.Isthymastercoming?

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

HeliestonightwithinsevenleaguesofRome.

HereststonightwithintwentyonemilesofRome.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Postbackwithspeed,andtellhimwhathathchanced.

Reportbacktohimfastandtellhimwhathashappened.This

HereisamourningRome,adangerousRome,

isnowaRomeinmourning,adangerousRome.Itsnotsafe

NoRomeofsafetyforOctaviusyet.

enoughforOctaviusyet.Hurryawayandtellhimso.No,wait,

Hiehence,andtellhimso.Yet,stayawhile.

stayaminute.DontgobackuntilIvecarriedthecorpseinto

305

ThoushaltnotbacktillIhavebornethiscorse

themarketplace.ThereIllusemyspeechtotestwhatthe

Intothemarketplace.ThereshallItry,

peoplethinkofthesebloodymenscruelaction.Youllreport

Inmyoration,howthepeopletake

backtoyoungOctaviushowtheyrespond.Helpmehere.

Thecrulissueofthesebloodymen.
310

Accordingtothewhich,thoushaltdiscourse
ToyoungOctaviusofthestateofthings.
Lendmeyourhand.
ExeuntwithCAESARsbody

TheyexitwithCAESARsbody.

EnterBRUTUSandCASSIUS withthePLEBEIANS

BRUTUSandCASSIUSenterwithathrongofPLEBEIANS.

PLEBEIANS

PLEBEIANS

Wewillbesatisfied!Letusbesatisfied!

Wewantanswers.Giveusanswers.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Act3,Scene2

Thenfollowmeandgivemeaudience,friends.

Thenfollowmeandlistentomyspeech,friends.Cassius,go
tothenextstreetanddividethecrowd.Letthosewhowillhear

Cassius,goyouintotheotherstreet
Andpartthenumbers.

mespeakstay.Leadthoseawaywhowillfollowyou,andwell
explainpubliclythereasonsforCaesarsdeath.

Thosethatwillhearmespeak,let'emstayhere.
ThosethatwillfollowCassius,gowithhim,
Andpublicreasonsshallberenderd
OfCaesarsdeath.

10

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

IwillhearBrutusspeak.

IlllistentoBrutus.

ANOTHERPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

IwillhearCassiusandcomparetheirreasons

IlllistentoCassius,andwewillcomparetheirreasons.

Whenseverallywehearthemrenderd.

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ExitCASSIUS withsomeofthePLEBEIANS BRUTUSgoesintothepulpit

Modern Text

48

CASSIUSexitswithsomeofthePLEBEIANS.BRUTUSgets
upontheplatform.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

ThenobleBrutusisascended.Silence!

Quiet!NobleBrutushasmountedtheplatform.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Bepatienttillthelast.Romans,countrymen,andlovers!Hearmeformycause,

BepatientuntilIfinish.Romans,countrymen,andfriends!

andbesilentthatyoumayhear.Believemeforminehonor,andhaverespectto

Listentomyreasonsandbesilentsoyoucanhear.Believe

minehonorthatyoumaybelieve.Censuremeinyourwisdom,andawakeyour

meonmyhonorandkeepmyhonorinmind,soyoumay

sensesthatyoumaythebetterjudge.Iftherebeanyinthisassembly,anydear

believeme.Bewisewhenyoucriticizemeandkeepyour

friendofCaesars,tohimIsaythatBrutus'lovetoCaesarwasnolessthanhis.If

mindsalertsoyoucanjudgemefairly.Iftheresanyoneinthis

thenthatfrienddemandwhyBrutusroseagainstCaesar,thisismyanswer:not

assembly,anydearfriendofCaesars,Isaytohimthatmy

thatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIlovedRomemore.

loveforCaesarwasnolessthanhis.If,then,thatfriend
demandstoknowwhyIroseupagainstCaesar,thisismy
answer:itsnotthatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIlovedRome
more.

HadyouratherCaesarwerelivinganddieallslaves,thanthatCaesarweredead,

WouldyouratherthatCaesarwerelivingandwewouldallgo

toliveallfreemen?AsCaesarlovedme,Iweepforhim.Ashewasfortunate,I

toourgravesasslaves,orthatCaesarweredeadandweall

rejoiceatit.Ashewasvaliant,Ihonorhim.But,ashewasambitious,Islewhim.

livedasfreemen?IweepforCaesarinthathewasgoodto

Thereistearsforhislove,joyforhisfortune,honorforhisvalor,anddeathforhis

me.Irejoiceinhisgoodfortune.Ihonorhimforbeingbrave.

ambition.Whoisheresobasethatwouldbeabondman?Ifany,speakforhim

Buthisambitionforthat,Ikilledhim.Therearetearsforhis

haveIoffended.WhoisheresorudethatwouldnotbeaRoman?Ifany,speak

love,joyforhisfortune,honorforhisbravery,anddeathforhis

forhimhaveIoffended.Whoisheresovilethatwillnotlovehiscountry?Ifany,

ambition.Whohereissolowthathewantstobeaslave?If

speakforhimhaveIoffended.Ipauseforareply.

thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who
hereissobarbarousthathedoesntwanttobeaRoman?If
thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who
hereissovilethathedoesntlovehiscountry?Ifthereare
any,speak,foritishewhomIhaveoffended.Iwillpausefora
reply.

ALL

ALL

None,Brutus,none.

Noone,Brutus,noone.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

ThennonehaveIoffended.IhavedonenomoretoCaesarthanyoushalldoto

ThenIhaveoffendednoone.IvedonenomoretoCaesar

Brutus.ThequestionofhisdeathisenrolledintheCapitol.Hisglorynot

thanyouwilldotome.Thereasonsforhisdeatharerecorded

extenuatedwhereinhewasworthy,norhisoffensesenforcedforwhichhesuffered

intheCapitol.Hisgloryhasnotbeendiminishedwherehe

death.

earnedit,norhavethoseoffensesforwhichhewaskilled
beenexaggerated.

EnterMarkANTONYwithCAESARsbody

ANTONYenterswithCAESARsbody.

Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony,who,thoughhehadnohandin

Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony,who,though

hisdeath,shallreceivethebenefitofhisdyingaplaceinthecommonwealthas

hehadnopartinthekilling,willbenefitfromhisdeath

whichofyoushallnot?WiththisIdepart:that,asIslewmybestloverforthegood

receivingashareinthecommonwealth,asyouallwill.With

ofRome,Ihavethesamedaggerformyselfwhenitshallpleasemycountryto

thesewordsIleave.JustasIkilledmybestfriendforthegood

needmydeath.

ofRome,sowillIkillmyselfwhenmycountryrequiresmy
death.

45

ALL

ALL

Live,Brutus!Live,live!

Live,Brutus!Live,live!

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49

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Bringhimwithtriumphhomeuntohishouse!

Letscarryhimintriumphtohishouse!

OriginalText

ModernText

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Givehimastatuewithhisancestors!

Letsbuildastatueofhim,nearthoseofhisancestors!

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

LethimbeCaesar!

LethimbecomeCaesar!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Caesarsbetterparts

CaesarsbetterqualitiesexistinBrutus,andwewillcrown

At3,Scene2

him.
ShallbecrownedinBrutus!

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandclamors.

Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandcelebration!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Mycountrymen

Mycountrymen

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Peace,silence!Brutusspeaks.

Silence!Brutusspeaks.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Peace,ho!

Quietthere!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Goodcountrymen,letmedepartalone.

Goodcountrymen,letmeleavealone.Iwantyoutostayhere

And,formysake,stayherewithAntony.

AntonysspeechaboutCaesarsglories,whichhegiveswith

50

55

withAntonytopayrespectstoCaesarscorpseandlistento

DogracetoCaesarscorpse,andgracehisspeech
TendingtoCaesarsglories,whichMarkAntony
Byourpermissionisallowedtomake.

ourpermission.Iaskthatnoneofyouleave,exceptmyself,
untilAntonyhasfinished.

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50

Idoentreatyou,notamandepart,
SaveIalone,tillAntonyhavespoke.

ExitBRUTUS

BRUTUSexits.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Stay,ho!AndletushearMarkAntony.

LetsstayandhearMark Antony.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Lethimgoupintothepublicchair.

Lethimmountthepulpit.Welllistentohim.NobleAntony,

60

mountthepodium.
Wellhearhim.NobleAntony,goup.

65

ANTONY

ANTONY

ForBrutus'sake,Iambeholdingtoyou.

ForBrutusssake,Iamindebtedtoyou.

(ascendsthepulpit)

(hestepsupintothepulpit)

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

WhatdoeshesayofBrutus?

WhatdoeshesayaboutBrutus?

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

HesaysforBrutus'sake

HesaysthatforBrutusssakehefindshimselfindebtedtous

Hefindshimselfbeholdingtousall.

all.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

'TwerebesthespeaknoharmofBrutushere.

HedbetternotspeakbadlyofBrutushere.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

ThisCaesarwasatyrant.

Caesarwasatyrant.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Nay,thatscertain.

Thatsforsure.WereluckythatRomeisridofhim.

WeareblestthatRomeisridofhim.

70

75

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Peace!LetushearwhatAntonycansay.

Quiet!LetshearwhatAntonyhastosay.

ANTONY

ANTONY

YougentleRomans

YougentleRomans

ALL

ALL

Peace,ho!Letushearhim.

Quietthere!Letushearhim.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Friends,Romans,countrymen,lendmeyourears.

Friends,Romans,countrymen,givemeyourattention.Ihave

IcometoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim.

comeheretoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim.Theevilthatmen

Theevilthatmendolivesafterthem

doisrememberedaftertheirdeaths,butthegoodisoften

Thegoodisoftinterrdwiththeirbones.

buriedwiththem.ItmightaswellbethesamewithCaesar.

SoletitbewithCaesar.ThenobleBrutus

ThenobleBrutustoldyouthatCaesarwasambitious.Ifthats

HathtoldyouCaesarwasambitious.

true,itsaseriousfault,andCaesarhaspaidseriouslyforit.

Ifitwereso,itwasagrievousfault,

WiththepermissionofBrutusandtheothersforBrutusisan

AndgrievouslyhathCaesaransweredit.

honorablemantheyareallhonorablemenIhavecomehere

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Here,underleaveofBrutusandtherest

tospeakatCaesarsfuneral.Hewasmyfriend,hewasfaithful

ForBrutusisanhonorableman

andjusttome.ButBrutussayshewasambitious,andBrutus

Soaretheyall,allhonorablemen

isanhonorableman.Hebroughtmanycaptiveshometo

ComeItospeakinCaesarsfuneral.

Romewhoseransomsbroughtwealthtothecity.

Hewasmyfriend,faithfulandjusttome.
85

ButBrutussayshewasambitious,
AndBrutusisanhonorableman.
HehathbroughtmanycaptiveshometoRome
Whoseransomsdidthegeneralcoffersfill.
DidthisinCaesarseemambitious?

90

95

100

Isthistheworkofanambitiousman?Whenthepoorcried,

Whenthatthepoorhavecried,Caesarhathwept.

Caesarcriedtoo.Ambitionshouldntbesosoft.YetBrutus

Ambitionshouldbemadeofsternerstuff.

sayshewasambitious,andBrutusisanhonorableman.You

YetBrutussayshewasambitious,

allsawthatontheLupercalfeastdayIofferedhimakings

AndBrutusisanhonorableman.

crownthreetimes,andherefuseditthreetimes.Wasthis

YoualldidseethatontheLupercal

ambition?YetBrutussayshewasambitious.And,no

Ithricepresentedhimakinglycrown,

question,Brutusisanhonorableman.Iamnothereto

Whichhedidthricerefuse.Wasthisambition?

disprovewhatBrutushassaid,buttosaywhatIknow.Youall

YetBrutussayshewasambitious,

lovedhimonce,andnotwithoutreason.Thenwhatreason

And,sure,heisanhonorableman.

holdsyoubackfrommourninghimnow?Menhavebecome

IspeaknottodisprovewhatBrutusspoke,

brutishbeastsandlosttheirreason!Bearwithme.Myheartis

ButhereIamtospeakwhatIdoknow.

inthecoffintherewithCaesar,andImustpauseuntilitreturns

Youalldidlovehimonce,notwithoutcause.

tome.(heweeps)

Whatcausewithholdsyouthentomournforhim?
Ojudgment!Thouartfledtobrutishbeasts,
Andmenhavelosttheirreason.Bearwithme.
105

MyheartisinthecoffintherewithCaesar,
AndImustpausetillitcomebacktome.(weeps)

110

115

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Methinksthereismuchreasoninhissayings.

Ithinktheresalotofsenseinwhathesays.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Ifthouconsiderrightlyofthematter,

Ifyouthinkaboutitcorrectly,Caesarhassufferedagreat

Caesarhashadgreatwrong.

wrong.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Hashe,masters?

Hashe,sirs?Imworriedtherewillbesomeoneworseto

Ifeartherewillaworsecomeinhisplace.

replacehim.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Markedyehiswords?Hewouldnottakethecrown.

DidyouhearAntony?Caesarwouldnttakethecrown.

Thereforetiscertainhewasnotambitious.

Thereforeitscertainthathewasntambitious.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Ifitbefoundso,somewilldearabideit.

Ifitturnsouthewasnt,certainpeoplearegoingtogetit.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Poorsoul!Hiseyesareredasfirewithweeping.

Poorman!Antonyseyesarefieryredfromcrying.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

TheresnotanoblermaninRomethanAntony.

ThereisntanoblermanthanAntonyinallofRome.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Nowmarkhim.Hebeginsagaintospeak.

Nowlisten,hesgoingtospeakagain.

ANTONY

ANTONY

ButyesterdaythewordofCaesarmight

OnlyyesterdaythewordofCaesarmighthavestoodagainst

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Havestoodagainsttheworld.Nowlieshethere,

theworld.Nowheliesthereworthnothing,andnooneisso

Andnonesopoortodohimreverence.

humbleastoshowhimrespect.Oh,sirs,ifIstirredyourhearts

Omasters,ifIweredisposedtostir

andmindstomutinyandrage,IwouldoffendBrutusand

Yourheartsandmindstomutinyandrage,

Cassius,who,youallknow,arehonorablemen.Iwillnotdo

IshoulddoBrutuswrong,andCassiuswrong

themwrong.Iwouldratherwrongthedead,andwrongmyself

Who,youallknow,arehonorablemen.

andyou,thanwrongsuchhonorablemen.Butheresapaper

Iwillnotdothemwrong.Iratherchoose

withCaesarssealonit.Ifounditinhisroomitshiswill.If

Towrongthedead,towrongmyselfandyou,

youcouldonlyhearthistestamentwhich,excuseme,Idont

ThanIwillwrongsuchhonorablemen.

intendtoreadaloudyouwouldkissdeadCaesarswounds

ButheresaparchmentwiththesealofCaesar.

anddipyourhandkerchiefsinhissacredblood,andbegfora

Ifounditinhiscloset.'Tishiswill.

lockofhairtorememberhimby.Andwhenyoudied,you

Letbutthecommonshearthistestament

wouldmentionthehandkerchieforthehairinyourwill,

Which,pardonme,Idonotmeantoread

bequeathingittoyourheirslikearichlegacy.

AndtheywouldgoandkissdeadCaesarswounds
Anddiptheirnapkinsinhissacredblood,
Yea,begahairofhimformemory,
And,dying,mentionitwithintheirwills,
135

Bequeathingitasarichlegacy
Untotheirissue.

140

145

150

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Wellhearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony!

Wewanttohearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony.

ALL

ALL

Thewill,thewill!WewillhearCaesarswill.

Thewill,thewill!WewanttohearCaesarswill.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Havepatience,gentlefriends.Imustnotreadit.

Bepatient,gentlefriends,Imustnotreadit.Itisntproperfor

ItisnotmeetyouknowhowCaesarlovedyou.

youtoknowhowmuchCaesarlovedyou.Youarentwood,

Youarenotwood,youarenotstones,butmen.

youarentstonesyouremen.And,beingmen,thecontents

And,beingmen,bearingthewillofCaesar,

ofCaesarswillwouldenrageyou.Itsbetterthatyoudont

Itwillinflameyou,itwillmakeyoumad.

knowyourehisheirs,forifyouknew,justimaginewhatwould

'Tisgoodyouknownotthatyouarehisheirs.

comeofit!

For,ifyoushouldOh,whatwouldcomeofit!
FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Readthewill.Wellhearit,Antony.

Readthewill.Wewanttohearit,Antony.Youhavetoreadus

Youshallreadusthewill,Caesarswill.

thewill,Caesarswill.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Willyoubepatient?Willyoustayawhile?

Willyoubepatient?Willyouwaitawhile?Ivesaidtoomuchin

Ihaveo'ershotmyselftotellyouofit.

tellingyouofit.ImafraidthatIwrongthehonorablemen

IfearIwrongthehonorablemen

whosedaggershavestabbedCaesar.

WhosedaggershavestabbedCaesar.Idofearit.

155

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Theyweretraitors!Honorablemen!

Theyweretraitors.Honorablemen!

ALL

ALL

Thewill!Thetestament!

Thewill!Thetestament!

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill!

Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Youwillcompelme,then,toreadthewill?

Youforcemetoreadthewill,then?Thenmakeacircle

ThenmakearingaboutthecorpseofCaesar,

aroundCaesarscorpse,andletmeshowyouthemanwho

Andletmeshowyouhimthatmadethewill.

madethiswill.ShallIcomedown?Willyouletme?

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ShallIdescend?Andwillyougivemeleave?

160

ALL

ALL

Comedown.

Comedown.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Descend.

Descend.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Youshallhaveleave.

Wellletyou.

ANTONYdescendsfromthepulpit

ANTONYdescendsfromthepulpit.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Aring!

Makeacirclestandaroundhim.

Standround.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN
Standfromthehearse.Standfromthe

165

170

175

180

185

FIRSTPLEBEIAN
body.

Standawayfromthehearse.Standawayfromthebody.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

RoomforAntony,mostnobleAntony!

MakeroomforAntony,mostnobleAntony!

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ANTONY

ANTONY

Nay,pressnotsouponme.Standfaroff.

No,dontpressupagainstme.Standfurtheraway.

ALL

ALL

Standback.Room!Bearback.

Standback.Givehimroom.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.

Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.Youallknowthis

Youalldoknowthismantle.Iremember

cloak.IrememberthefirsttimeCaesareverputiton.Itwasa

ThefirsttimeeverCaesarputiton.

summerseveninghewasinhistent.Itwasthedayhe

'Twasonasummerseveninginhistent,

overcametheNerviiwarriors.Look,hereswhereCassiuss

ThatdayheovercametheNervii.

daggerpiercedit.SeethewoundthatCascamade.Through

Look,inthisplaceranCassius'daggerthrough.

thisholebelovedBrutusstabbed.Andwhenhepulledouthis

SeewhatarenttheenviousCascamade.

curseddagger,seehowCaesarsbloodcamewithit,asif

ThroughthisthewellbelovdBrutusstabbed.

rushingoutadoortoseeifitwasreallyBrutuswhowas

Andashepluckedhiscursdsteelaway,

knockingsorudely.ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesars

MarkhowthebloodofCaesarfollowedit,

angel.ThegodsknowhowdearlyCaesarlovedhim!Thiswas

Asrushingoutofdoors,toberesolved

themostunkindcutofall.ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhim

IfBrutussounkindlyknocked,orno.

stab,heunderstoodhisbelovedBrutussingratitudeitwas

ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesarsangel.

strongerthantheviolenceoftraitors,anditdefeatedhim,

Judge,Oyougods,howdearlyCaesarlovedhim!

burstinghismightyheart.AndatthebaseofPompeysstatue,

Thiswasthemostunkindestcutofall.

withhiscloakcoveringhisface,whichwasdrippingwithblood

ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhimstab,

thewholetime,greatCaesarfell.Oh,whatafallitwas,my

Ingratitude,morestrongthantraitors'arms,

countrymen!ThenyouandIandallofusfelldown,while

Quitevanquishedhim.Thenbursthismightyheart,

bloodytreasontriumphed.Oh,nowyouweep,andIsensethat

And,inhismantlemufflinguphisface,

youfeelpity.Thesearegracioustears.Butifitoverwhelms

EvenatthebaseofPompeysstatue,

youtolookatCaesarswoundedcloak,howwillyoufeel,kind

Whichallthewhileranblood,greatCaesarfell.

men,now?Lookatthis,hereisthemanscarred,asyoucan

O,whatafallwasthere,mycountrymen!

see,bytraitors.(heliftsupCAESAR'scloak)

ThenI,andyou,andallofusfelldown,
Whilstbloodytreasonflourishedoverus.
Oh,nowyouweep,and,Iperceive,youfeel
Thedintofpity.Thesearegraciousdrops.

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Kindsouls,what,weepyouwhenyoubutbehold
OurCaesarsvesturewounded?Lookyouhere,
Hereishimself,marred,asyousee,withtraitors.
(liftsupCAESAR'smantle)
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200

205

210

215

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Opiteousspectacle!

Oh,whatasadsight!

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

OnobleCaesar!

Oh,nobleCaesar!

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Owoefulday!

Oh,sadday!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Otraitors,villains!

Oh,traitors,villains!

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Omostbloodysight!

Oh,mostbloodysight!

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Wewillberevenged.

Wewillgetrevenge.

ALL

ALL

Revenge!About!Seek!Burn!Fire!Kill!Slay!

Revenge!Letsgoafterthem!Seek!Burn!Setfire!Kill!Slay!

Letnotatraitorlive!

Leavenotraitorsalive!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Stay,countrymen.

Wait,countrymen.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Peacethere!HearthenobleAntony.

Quietthere!ListentothenobleAntony.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Wellhearhim.Wellfollowhim.Welldiewithhim.

Welllistentohim,wellfollowhim,welldiewithhim.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Goodfriends,sweetfriends!Letmenotstiryouup

Goodfriends,sweetfriends,dontletmestiryouuptosucha

Tosuchasuddenfloodofmutiny.

suddenmutiny.Thosewhohavedonethisdeedare

Theythathavedonethisdeedarehonorable.

honorable.Idontknowwhatprivategrudgestheyhadthat

Whatprivategriefstheyhave,alas,Iknownot,

madethemdoit.Theyrewiseandhonorable,andwillno

Thatmadethemdoit.Theyarewiseandhonorable,

doubtgiveyoureasonsforit.Ihaventcometostealyour

Andwill,nodoubt,withreasonsansweryou.

loyalty,friends.Imnoorator,asBrutusis.Imonly,asyou

Icomenot,friends,tostealawayyourhearts.

know,aplain,bluntmanwholovedhisfriend,andthemen

Iamnoorator,asBrutusis,

wholetmespeakknowthiswell.Ihaveneitherclevernessnor

But,asyouknowmeall,aplainbluntman

rhetoricalskillnortheauthoritynorgesturenoreloquencenor

Thatlovemyfriend.Andthattheyknowfullwell

thepowerofspeechtostirmenup.Ijustspeakdirectly.Itell

Thatgavemepublicleavetospeakofhim.

youwhatyoualreadyknow.IshowyousweetCaesars

ForIhaveneitherwitnorwordsnorworth,

woundspoor,speechlessmouths!andmakethemspeak

Actionnorutterancenorthepowerofspeech,

forme.ButifIwereBrutusandBrutuswereme,thenIdstir

Tostirmensblood.Ionlyspeakrighton.

youup,andinstallineachofCaesarswoundsthekindof

Itellyouthatwhichyouyourselvesdoknow,

voicethatcouldconvinceevenstonestoriseupandmutiny.

ShowyousweetCaesarswounds,poorpoordumbmouths,
Andbidthemspeakforme.ButwereIBrutus,
AndBrutusAntony,therewereanAntony
220

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Wouldruffleupyourspiritsandputatongue
IneverywoundofCaesarthatshouldmove

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ThestonesofRometoriseandmutiny.

225

230

235

240

ALL

ALL

Wellmutiny.

Wellmutiny.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

WellburnthehouseofBrutus.

WellburnBrutusshouse.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Away,then!Come,seektheconspirators.

Letsgo,then!Come,findtheconspirators!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Yethearme,countrymen.Yethearmespeak.

Wait,andlistentome,countrymen.

ALL

ALL

Peace,ho!HearAntony.MostnobleAntony!

Quiet!Wait!ListentoAntony.MostnobleAntony!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Why,friends,yougotodoyouknownotwhat.

Why,friends,youdontevenknowwhatyouredoingyet.

WhereinhathCaesarthusdeservedyourloves?

WhathasCaesardonetodeserveyourlove?Alas,youdont

Alas,youknownot.Imusttellyouthen.

know.Imusttellyouthen.YouveforgottenthewillItoldyou

YouhaveforgotthewillItoldyouof.

about.

ALL

ALL

Mosttrue.Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill.

Yes!Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Hereisthewill,andunderCaesarsseal

Heresthewill,writtenunderCaesarsseal.ToeveryRoman

ToeveryRomancitizenhegives

citizenhegivestoeveryindividualmanseventyfive

Toeveryseveralmanseventyfivedrachmas.

drachmas.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath.

MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

OroyalCaesar!

Oh,royalCaesar!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Hearmewithpatience.

Listentomepatiently.

OriginalText

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ALL

ALL

Peace,ho!

Quiet,there!

ANTONY

ANTONY

Moreover,hehathleftyouallhiswalks,

Also,hesleftyouallhiswalkwaysinhisprivategardensand

Hisprivatearborsandnewplantedorchards,

newlyplantedorchardsonthissideoftheTiberRiver.Hes

OnthissideTiber.Hehathleftthemyou

leftthemtoyouandtoyourheirsforeverpublicpleasuresin

Andtoyourheirsforevercommonpleasures,

whichyouwillbeabletostrollandrelax.HerewasaCaesar!

Towalkabroadandrecreateyourselves.

Whenwilltherebeanotherlikehim?

HerewasaCaesar!Whencomessuchanother?
FIRSTPLEBEIAN

245

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Never,never.Come,away,away!

Never,never.Letsgo!Wellburnhisbodyintheholyplace

Wellburnhisbodyintheholyplace,

andusethebrandstosetthetraitors'housesonfire.Takeup

Andwiththebrandsfirethetraitors'houses.

thebody.

Takeupthebody.
SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Gofetchfire.

Wellstartafire.

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THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Pluckdownbenches.

Wellusebenchesforwood

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Pluckdownforms,windows,anything.

Andwindowsills,anything.

ExeuntPLEBEIANSwithCAESARsbody

CitizensexitwithCAESARsbody.

56

ANTONY

ANTONY

Nowletitwork.Mischief,thouartafoot.

Now,letitwork.Trouble,youhavebeguntakewhatever

Takethouwhatcoursethouwilt!

courseyouchoose!

EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters.

Hownow,fellow?

Whatsup,myman?

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

Sir,OctaviusisalreadycometoRome.

Sir,OctaviushasalreadyarrivedinRome.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Whereishe?

Whereishe?

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse.

HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse.

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ANTONY

ANTONY

AndthitherwillIstraighttovisithim.

Iwillgostraighttovisithim.Iaskforhim,andhecomes.

Hecomesuponawish.Fortuneismerry,

Fortuneishappytodayand,inthismood,willgiveusanything

Andinthismoodwillgiveusanything.

wewant.

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT

Iheardhimsay,BrutusandCassius

IheardOctaviussaythatBrutusandCassiushaveriddenlike

AreridlikemadmenthroughthegatesofRome.

madmenthroughthegatesofRome.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Beliketheyhadsomenoticeofthepeople

TheyprobablyreceivedwarningabouthowmuchIstirredup

HowIhadmovedthem.BringmetoOctavius.

thepeople.TakemetoOctavius.

Exeunt

Theyexit.

OriginalText

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EnterCINNATHEPOET,andafterhimthePLEBEIANS

CINNATHEPOETenters,followedbyPLEBEIANS.

260

Act3,Scene3

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

IdreamttonightthatIdidfeastwithCaesar,

IdreamedlastnightthatIfeastedwithCaesar,andunlucky

Andthingsunluckychargemyfantasy.

signsoverwhelmedmyimagination.Ihavenodesiretogo

Ihavenowilltowanderforthofdoors,

outside,yetsomethingleadsmethere.

Yetsomethingleadsmeforth.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Whatisyourname?

Whatsyourname?

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

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Whitherareyougoing?

Whereareyougoing?

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Wheredoyoudwell?

Wheredoyoulive?

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor?

Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor?

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Answereverymandirectly.

Answerallofus,now.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Ay,andbriefly.

Yes,andbebrief.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Ay,andwisely.

Yes,andbewise.

57

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Ay,andtruly,youwerebest.

Yes,andbetruthful,ifyouknowwhatsgoodforyou.

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

Whatismyname?WhitheramIgoing?WheredoIdwell?AmIamarriedmanora

Whatsmyname?WhereamIgoing?WheredoIlive?AmIa

bachelor?Then,toanswereverymandirectlyandbriefly,wiselyandtrulywiselyI

marriedmanorabachelor?Then,toanswereveryman

say,Iamabachelor.

briefly,wisely,andtruthfullywiselyIsay,Iamabachelor.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Thatsasmuchastosay theyarefoolsthatmarry.Youllbearmeabangforthat,I

Youimplythatmarriedmenarefools.Youllgetablowfrom

fear.Proceed,directly.

meforthat,Ithink.Goonwithwhatyouweresayingright
thisinstant.

20

25

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

Directly,IamgoingtoCaesarsfuneral.

Rightthisinstant,ImgoingtoCaesarsfuneral.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Asafriendoranenemy?

Asafriendoranenemy?

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

Asafriend.

Asafriend.

SECONDPLEBEIAN

SECONDPLEBEIAN

Thatmatterisanswereddirectly.

Heansweredthatquestionstraight.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Foryourdwellingbriefly.

Asforwhereyoulive,tellusquicklygettothepoint.

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

Briefly,IdwellbytheCapitol.

Gettingrighttothepoint,IliveneartheCapitol.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Yourname,sir,truly.

Tellusyourname,sir,truthfully.

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

Truly,mynameisCinna.

Truthfully,mynameisCinna.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

FIRSTPLEBEIAN

Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator.

Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator.

CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

IamCinnathepoet.IamCinnathepoet.

IamCinnathepoet,IamCinnathepoet!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Tearhimforhisbadverses!Tearhimforhisbadverses!

Tearhimapartforhisbadverses,tearhimup!

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CINNATHEPOET

CINNATHEPOET

IamnotCinnatheconspirator.

ImnotCinnatheconspirator.

58

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

FOURTHPLEBEIAN

Itisnomatter.HisnamesCinna.Pluckbuthisnameoutofhisheartandturnhim

Itdoesntmatter.HisnamesCinna.Pullonlyhisnameoutof

going.

hisheartandlethimgo.

THIRDPLEBEIAN

THIRDPLEBEIAN

Tearhim,tearhim!

Tearhimapart,tearhimup!

PLEBEIANSattackCINNATHEPOET

ThePLEBEIANSattackCINNATHEPOET.

ALL

ALL

Come,brands,ho,firebrands.ToBrutus',toCassius',burnall.SometoDecius'

Come,firebrands,overhere!ToBrutuss,toCassiuss,lets

houseandsometoCascas.SometoLigarius'.Away,go!

burnthemall.SomeofyougotoDeciusshouseandsometo
Cascas.SometoLigariuss.Go!

ExeuntPLEBEIANSdraggingCINNATHEPOET

ThePLEBEIANSexit,draggingCINNATHEPOET.

Act4,Scene1
EnterANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUS

ANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUSenter.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Thesemany,then,shalldie.Theirnamesarepricked.

Theseones,then,willbeassassinated.Theirnamesare
marked.

10

15

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

(toLEPIDUS)

(toLEPIDUS)Yourbrotherhastodietoo.Doyouagree,

Yourbrothertoomustdie.Consentyou,Lepidus?

Lepidus?

LEPIDUS

LEPIDUS

Idoconsent

Iagree

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Prickhimdown,Antony.

Putamarknexttohisnametoo,Antony.

LEPIDUS

LEPIDUS

UponconditionPubliusshallnotlive,

Ontheconditionthatyoursistersson,Publius,alsomustdie,

Whoisyoursistersson,MarkAntony.

MarkAntony.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Heshallnotlive.Look,withaspotIdamnhim.

Hewilldie.SeeIvesealedhisfatewiththismarknexttohis

But,Lepidus,goyoutoCaesarshouse.

name.But,Lepidus,gotoCaesarshouse.Bringhiswillhere,

Fetchthewillhither,andweshalldetermine

andwellfigureoutawaytoreducehisbequeststothe

Howtocutoffsomechargeinlegacies.

people.

LEPIDUS

LEPIDUS

What,shallIfindyouhere?

WillyoubeherewhenIreturn?

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Orhere,orattheCapitol.

EitherhereorattheCapitol.

ExitLEPIDUS

LEPIDUSexits.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Thisisaslight,unmeritableman,

Hesanunremarkableman,fitonlytobesentonerrands.

Meettobesentonerrands.Isitfit,

Doesitreallymakesense,oncewedividetheworldintothree

Thethreefoldworlddivided,heshouldstand

parts,thatheshouldbeoneofthethreerulers?

Oneofthethreetoshareit?

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59

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Soyouthoughthim.

Youthoughtitmadesense,andyoulistenedtohimaboutwho

Andtookhisvoicewhoshouldbeprickedtodie

shouldbemarkedtodieintheseharshdeathsentences.

Inourblacksentenceandproscription.

20

25

ANTONY

ANTONY

Octavius,Ihaveseenmoredaysthanyou.

Octavius,Imolderthanyouare.Andalthoughweregiving

Andthoughwelaythesehonorsonthisman

thesehonorstothismansothathesharessomeoftheblame

Toeaseourselvesofdiversslanderousloads,

forwhatweredoing,hellcarrythesehonorslikeajackass

Heshallbutbearthemastheassbearsgold,

carriesgoldgroaningandsweatingundertheload,eitherled

Togroanandsweatunderthebusiness,

orpushed,aswedirecthim.Oncehescarriedourtreasure

Eitherledordriven,aswepointtheway.

wherewewantit,wellfreehimoftheloadandturnhimloose

Andhavingbroughtourtreasurewherewewill,

likeajackass,toshakehisearsandgrazeinthepublic

Thentakewedownhisloadandturnhimoff,

pastures.

Liketotheemptyass,toshakehisears
Andgrazeincommons.

30

35

40

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Youmaydoyourwill,

Youcandowhatyouwant,buthesanexperiencedand

Buthesatriedandvaliantsoldier.

honorablesoldier.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthat

Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthatreasonIgivehimallthe

Idoappointhimstoreofprovender.

hayhewants.ButmyhorseisacreaturethatIteachtofight

ItisacreaturethatIteachtofight,

toturn,tostop,toruninastraightline.Igovernthemotionof

Towind,tostop,torundirectlyon,

hisbody.Andinsomeways,Lepidusisjustlikethat.Hehas

Hiscorporalmotiongovernedbymyspirit,

tobetaughtandtrainedandtoldtogoforward.Hesanempty

And,insometaste,isLepidusbutso.

man,whopaysattentiontofashionsandtastesthatothermen

Hemustbetaughtandtrainedandbidgoforth,

tookupandgottiredoflongago.DontthinkaboutLepidus

Abarrenspiritedfellow,onethatfeeds

exceptasameanstoanend.Andnow,Octavius,listento

Onobjects,arts,andimitations,

moreimportantthings.BrutusandCassiusareraisingarmies.

Which,outofuseandstaledbyothermen,

Wehavetoraiseourownimmediately.So,weshould

Beginhisfashion.Donottalkofhim

combineforcesandorganizeourallies,pulltogetherour

Butasaproperty.Andnow,Octavius,

friends,andstretchourresourcesasfarastheyllgo.

Listengreatthings.BrutusandCassius
Arelevyingpowers.Wemuststraightmakehead.
Thereforeletouralliancebecombined,
45

50

Ourbestfriendsmade,ourmeansstretched.
Andletuspresentlygositincouncil

Letsimmediatelyorganizeacounciltodiscussthebestwayto

Howcovertmattersmaybebestdisclosed,

findouttheirsecretsandthesafestwaytoconfrontthethreats

Andopenperilssurestanswered.

werealreadyfacedwith.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Letusdoso.Forweareatthestake

Letsdothat,becausewerehemmedinbymanyenemies.

Andbayedaboutwithmanyenemies.

Andevensomeofthepeoplewhosmileatusareinfact

Andsomethatsmilehaveintheirhearts,Ifear,

plottingagainstus,Imafraid.

Millionsofmischiefs.
Exeunt

Theyexit.

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60

Act4,Scene2

10

Drum.EnterBRUTUS withLUCIUS,LUCILLIUS,andthearmy.TITINIUSand

Adrumplays.BRUTUS,LUCILLIUS,LUCIUS,and

PINDARUSmeetthem

SOLDIERSenter.TITINIUSandPINDARUSmeetthem.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Stand,ho!

Stop.

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

Givetheword,ho,andstand.

Passonthecommandtohalt!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whatnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnear?

Whatshappeningnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnearby?

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

Heisathand,andPindarusiscome

Hesnearby,andPindarushascometosaluteyouonbehalf

Todoyousalutationfromhismaster.

ofhismaster.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Hegreetsmewell.Yourmaster,Pindarus,

Hesendshisgreetingsthroughagoodman.Yourmaster,

Inhisownchangeorbyillofficers

Pindarus,eitherbecauseheschangedhismindorbeen

Hathgivenmesomeworthycausetowish

influencedbybadofficers,hasmademewishwehadntdone

Thingsdone,undone.Butifhebeathand

someofthethingswedid.Ifhesnearby,Iwantan

Ishallbesatisfied.

explanation.

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

Idonotdoubt

Ihavenodoubtthatmynoblemasterwillprovehimselftobe

Butthatmynoblemasterwillappear

whatheis:honorableandnoble.

Suchasheis,fullofregardandhonor.

15

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Heisnotdoubted.Aword,Lucillius.

Idontdoubthim.CanIhaveawordwithyou,Lucillius?(takes

(takesLUCILLIUSaside)

LUCILLIUSaside)TellmehowCassiustreatedyou.Putmy

Howhereceivedyou,letmeberesolved.

mindatrest.

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

Withcourtesyandwithrespectenough.

Hereceivedmewithcourtesyandsufficientrespect,butnot

Butnotwithsuchfamiliarinstances

withaffection,norwithasmuchopenandfriendly

Norwithsuchfreeandfriendlyconference

conversationasheoncegreetedme.

Ashehathusedofold.

20

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Thouhastdescribed

Youvedescribedawarmfriendwhoscoolingoff.Remember

Ahotfriendcooling.Evernote,Lucillius,

this,Lucillius.Whenafriendstartstogetsickofyou,hetreats

Whenlovebeginstosickenanddecay,

youartificially.Plainandsimpleloyaltydoesntmakeanyone

Itusethanenforcdceremony.

actphony.Butinsinceremen,likehorseswhoaretoolivelyat

Therearenotricksinplainandsimplefaith.

thestartofarace,makeabigshowoftheirspirit.

Buthollowmen,likehorseshotathand,
25

Makegallantshowandpromiseoftheirmettle.
OriginalText

ModernText

Lowmarchwithin

AlowsoundofdrumsandSOLDIERSmarching.

Butwhentheyshouldendurethebloodyspur,

Butwhenpushcomestoshove,theydrooplikethosehorses

Theyfalltheircrestsand,likedeceitfuljades,

thatareallshowandslowtoacrawl.Ishisarmyapproaching?

Sinkinthetrial.Comeshisarmyon?
LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

TheymeanthisnightinSardistobequartered.

TheyplantospendthenightinSardis.Thelargerpart,the

LineOriginalText
30

Thegreaterpart,thehorseingeneral,

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61

mainbodyofcavalry,arecomingwithCassius.

ArecomewithCassius.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Hark!Heisarrived.

Look!Hesarrived.Marchtomeethimatadignifiedpace.

Marchgentlyontomeethim.

35

40

45

EnterCASSIUSandhispowers

CASSIUSenterswithhisarmy.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Stand,ho!

Halt.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Stand,ho!Speakthewordalong.

Halt!Passtheorderalong.

FIRSTSOLDIER

FIRSTSOLDIER

Stand!

Halt!

SECONDSOLDIER

SECONDSOLDIER

Stand!

Halt!

THIRDSOLDIER

THIRDSOLDIER

Stand!

Halt!

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong.

Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Judgeme,yougods!WrongImineenemies?

Letthegodsjudgeme!DoImistreatevenmyenemies?No.

Andifnotso,howshouldIwrongabrother?

SohowcouldIpossiblywrongabrother?

OriginalText

ModernText

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Brutus,thissoberformofyourshideswrongs.

Brutus,yoursoberexpressionisamasktohidethefactthat

Andwhenyoudothem

youvewrongedme.Andwhenyoudo

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Cassius,becontent.

Cassius,calmdown.Weknoweachotherwell,andyoucan

Speakyourgriefssoftly.Idoknowyouwell.

speakyourgrievancesquietly.Letsnotarguehereinfrontof

Beforetheeyesofbothourarmieshere,

bothourarmies,whichoughttoseenothingbutlovebetween

Whichshouldperceivenothingbutlovefromus,

us.Orderthemtomoveback.Then,inmytent,youcan

Letusnotwrangle.Bidthemmoveaway.

elaborateonyourcomplaints,andIlllisten.

Theninmytent,Cassius,enlargeyourgriefs,
AndIwillgiveyouaudience.

50

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Pindarus,

Pindarus,orderourcommanderstoleadtheirchargesalittle

Bidourcommandersleadtheirchargesoff

waysawayfromthisground.

Alittlefromthisground.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Lucillius,doyouthelike.Andletnoman

Lucillius,youdothesame,anddontallowanyonetocome

Cometoourtenttillwehavedoneourconference.

intoourtentuntilwevefinishedourconference.HaveLucius

LetLuciusandTitiniusguardourdoor.

andTitiniusguardthedoor.

Exeunt

EveryoneexceptBRUTUSandCASSIUSexits.

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62

Act4,Scene3
ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS,nowinthetent

BRUTUSandCASSIUS remainonstage.Theyarenowin
theirtent.

CASSIUS

10

CASSIUS

Thatyouhavewrongedmedothappearinthis:

Myevidencethatyouhavewrongedmeisthatyou

YouhavecondemnedandnotedLuciusPella

condemnedanddisgracedLuciusPellafortakingbribeshere

FortakingbribeshereoftheSardians,

fromtheSardinians,andyouignoredmyletters,whereI

Whereinmyletters,prayingonhisside

arguedthathewasinnocentIknowtheman.

BecauseIknewtheman,wereslightedoff.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Youwrongedyourselftowriteinsuchacase.

Youwrongedyourselftowriteonbehalfofsuchaman.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Insuchatimeasthisitisnotmeet

Inatimelikethis,itdoesntmakesensetocriticizeevery

Thateveryniceoffenseshouldbearhiscomment.

offense.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Letmetellyou,Cassius,youyourself

Illtellyou,Cassius,youyourselfhavebeencalledgreedyand

Aremuchcondemnedtohaveanitchingpalm,

beenaccusedofgivingyourpositionstoundeservingmenin

Tosellandmartyourofficesforgold

exchangeforgold.

Toundeservers.
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ianitchingpalm!

Me,greedy!Youknow,ifyouwereanyoneotherthanBrutus,

YouknowthatyouareBrutusthatspeakthis,

thatspeechwouldbeyourlast.

Or,bythegods,thisspeechwereelseyourlast.

15

20

25

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

ThenameofCassiushonorsthiscorruption,

ThenameofCassiusgivescredittothesecorruptactions,and

Andchastisementdoththereforehidehishead.

sotheygounpunished.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Chastisement!

Unpunished!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

RememberMarch,theidesofMarchremember.

RememberMarch,March15th.DidntgreatCaesarbleedfor

DidnotgreatJuliusbleedforjustice'sake?

thesakeofjustice?

Whatvillaintouchedhisbody,thatdidstab,

Whoamongusstabbedhimforanycausebutjustice?What

Andnotforjustice?What,shalloneofus

didoneofusstrikedownthemostpowerfulmanintheworld

Thatstrucktheforemostmanofallthisworld

inordertosupportrobbers?Shouldwenowdirtyourfingers

Butforsupportingrobbers,shallwenow

withlowlybribesandsellthemightyofficesthatweholdfor

Contaminateourfingerswithbasebribes,

whatevermoneywecangetourhandson?Idratherbeadog

Andsellthemightyspaceofourlargehonors

andhowlatthemoonthanbethatkindofRoman.

Forsomuchtrashasmaybegraspdthus?
Ihadratherbeadogandbaythemoon
ThansuchaRoman.

30

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Brutus,baitnotme.

Brutus,donotprovokeme.Iwillnottakeit.Youreforgetting

Illnotendureit.Youforgetyourself

yourselfwhenyoubackmeintoacorner.Imasoldier,more

Tohedgemein.Iamasoldier,I,

experiencedthanyou,andbetterabletogiveorders.

Olderinpractice,ablerthanyourself
Tomakeconditions.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

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35

40

45

50

Modern Text

Goto.Youarenot,Cassius.

Getlost!Youarenot,Cassius.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Iam.

Iam.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Isayyouarenot.

Isayyourenot.

63

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Urgemenomore,Ishallforgetmyself.

DontprovokemeanyfurtherorIllforgettorestrainmyself.If

Haveminduponyourhealth,temptmenofurther.

youcareaboutyourhealth,youwontpushmeanyfurther.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Away,slightman!

Leave,youlittleman.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Istpossible?

Isthispossible?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Hearme,forIwillspeak.

Listentome,forIhavesomethingtotellyou.AmIrequiredto

MustIgivewayandroomtoyourrashcholer?

indulgeyourrashanger?Doesamadmanscaremewhenhe

ShallIbefrightedwhenamadmanstares?

staresatme?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Oyegods,yegods,mustIendureallthis?

Ohgods,ohgods!MustIendureallthis?

OriginalText

ModernText

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Allthis?Ay,more.Frettillyourproudheartbreak.

Allthis?Yes,andmore.Goaheadragetillyourproudheart

Goshowyourslaveshowcholericyouare

breaks.Showyourslaveshowmadyouare,andmakeyour

Andmakeyourbondmentremble.MustIbudge?

servantstremble.ButmeamIgoingtocoweratyouand

MustIobserveyou?MustIstandandcrouch

yourirritablemoods?Youllhavetoswallowyourownpoison

Underyourtestyhumor?Bythegods,

tillitmakesyouburstbeforeImgoingtorespondfromnow

Youshalldigestthevenomofyourspleen,

on,Illmakeyouthebuttofmyjokeswheneveryougetsharp

Thoughitdosplityou.Forfromthisdayforth,

withme.

Illuseyouformymirth,yea,formylaughter,
Whenyouarewaspish.

55

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Isitcometothis?

Hasitcometothis?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Yousayyouareabettersoldier.

Yousayyoureabettersoldier.Showit!Makeyourboasts

Letitappearso.Makeyourvauntingtrue,

cometrue,andIllbethrilled.Imalwayshappytohearabout

Anditshallpleasemewell.Formineownpart,

bravemen.

Ishallbegladtolearnofnoblemen.
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Youwrongmeeveryway.Youwrongme,Brutus.

Youwrongmeineveryway.Youwrongme,Brutus.Isaidan

Isaidaneldersoldier,notabetter.

oldersoldier,notabetterone.DidIsaybetter?

DidIsaybetter?

60

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ifyoudid,Icarenot.

Ifyoudid,Idontcare.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

WhenCaesarlived,hedurstnotthushavemovedme.

WhenCaesarwasalive,evenhewouldntdareangermelike
this.

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70

75

80

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64

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Peace,peace!Youdurstnotsohavetemptedhim.

Oh,bequiet.Youwouldnthavedaredtotempthimso.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Idurstnot!

Iwouldnthavedared!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

No.

No.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

What,durstnottempthim?

What?Notdaredtotempthim?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Foryourlifeyoudurstnot.

Youwouldnthavedared,outoffearforyourlife.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Donotpresumetoomuchuponmylove.

Donttakemyloveforgranted.ImightdosomethingIllbe

ImaydothatIshallbesorryfor.

sorryfor.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Youhavedonethatyoushouldbesorryfor.

Youvealreadydonesomethingyoushouldbesorryfor.Your

Thereisnoterror,Cassius,inyourthreats,

threatsdontscareme,Cassius,becauseImsosecureinmy

ForIamarmedsostronginhonesty

honestyandintegritythattheypassmebylikeaweakbreeze.

Thattheypassbymeastheidlewind,

Iaskedyouforacertainamountofgold,whichyouwouldnt

WhichIrespectnot.Ididsendtoyou

giveme.Imyselfcantraisemoneybyunethicalmeans.Id

Forcertainsumsofgold,whichyoudeniedme,

ratherturnmyheartintomoneyandmydropsofbloodinto

ForIcanraisenomoneybyvilemeans.

coinsthanusecrookedtacticstowringpettycashfromthe

Byheaven,Ihadrathercoinmyheart

hardworkinghandsofpeasants.Iaskedyouforgoldtopaymy

Anddropmybloodfordrachmasthantowring

soldiers,andyouwouldntgiveittome.WasthattheCaius

Fromthehardhandsofpeasantstheirviletrash

CassiusthatIknew?AndwouldIhaveeverdonethattoyou?

Byanyindirection.Ididsend

IfIevergetsogreedythatIhoardsuchpettycashfrommy

Toyouforgoldtopaymylegions,

friends,maythegodsdashmetopieceswiththeir

Whichyoudeniedme.WasthatdonelikeCassius?

thunderbolts!

ShouldIhaveansweredCaiusCassiusso?
WhenMarcusBrutusgrowssocovetous
Tolocksuchrascalcountersfromhisfriends,
85

Beready,gods,withallyourthunderbolts.
Dashhimtopieces!

90

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ideniedyounot.

Ididntrefuseyou.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Youdid.

Youdid.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ididnot.Hewasbutafoolthatbrought

Ididnt.Themanwhobroughtmyanswertoyouwasafool.

Myanswerback.Brutushathrivedmyheart.

Youhavebrokenmyheart.Afriendshouldputupwithhis

Afriendshouldbearhisfriendsinfirmities,

friendsweaknesses,butyouexaggeratemine.

ButBrutusmakesminegreaterthantheyare.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Idonot,tillyoupracticethemonme.

Idontuntilyoupracticethemonme.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Youlovemenot.

Youdontloveme.

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65

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Idonotlikeyourfaults.

Idontlikeyourfaults.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Afriendlyeyecouldneverseesuchfaults.

Afriendwouldneverseethosefaults.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Aflattererswouldnot,thoughtheydoappear

No,aflattererwouldnt,evenifthefaultswereashugeas
MountOlympus.

AshugeashighOlympus.

CASSIUS
Come,Antony,andyoungOctavius,come,

CASSIUS
Come,AntonyandyoungOctavius!Getyourrevengeon
Cassius,becauseCassiushasgrowntiredoftheworld.Hes

RevengeyourselvesaloneonCassius,
100

ForCassiusisawearyoftheworld
Hatedbyonehelovesbravedbyhisbrother

hatedbysomeoneheloves,defiedbyhisbrother,rebukedlike
aservant,allhisfaultsobserved,cataloguedinanotebook,
read,andcommittedtomemorysotheycanbethrowninhis
face.Oh,Icouldweepmysoulrightoutofmyself!Theresmy
dagger(heoffersBRUTUShisunsheatheddagger),and

Checkedlikeabondman,allhisfaultsobserved,

heresmybarechest.Insideitisaheartmorevaluablethan
Plutossilvermineandricherthangold.IfyoureaRoman,

105
Setinanotebook,learned,andconnedbyrote

takemyheartout.I,whodeniedyougold,willgiveyoumy
heart.StrikeasyoudidatCaesar,forIknowevenwhenyou

Tocastintomyteeth.Oh,Icouldweep
Myspiritfrommineeyes.

hatedhimthemost,youstilllovedhimbetterthanyouever
lovedme.

110
(offersBRUTUShisbareddagger)Thereismydagger.
Andheremynakedbreast.Within,aheart
DearerthanPlutus'mine,richerthangold.
IfthatthoubeestaRoman,takeitforth.
I,thatdeniedtheegold,willgivemyheart.
Strike,asthoudidstatCaesar.ForIknow
Whenthoudidsthatehimworst,thoulovedsthimbetter
ThaneverthoulovedstCassius.

BRUTUS
Sheatheyourdagger.

BRUTUS
Putawayyourdagger.Beangrywheneveryoulike,itsall
rightwithme.Dowhateveryouwant,andIllsayyourinsults

Beangrywhenyouwill,itshallhavescope.
115

Dowhatyouwill,dishonorshallbehumor.
OCassius,youareyokdwithalamb

arejustabadmood.Oh,Cassius,yourepartnerswithaquiet
lamb.Myangerislikeaflintstrikingabriefspark,andthen
Imcoldagain.

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66

Thatcarriesangerastheflintbearsfire,
Who,muchenforcd,showsahastyspark
Andstraightiscoldagain.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

HathCassiuslived

HaveIlivedthislongonlytobethebuttofajokewhenever

TobebutmirthandlaughtertohisBrutus,

youreangryorfrustrated?

Whengriefandbloodilltemperedvexethhim?

120

125

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

WhenIspokethat,Iwasilltemperedtoo.

WhenIsaidthat,Iwasangrytoo.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Doyouconfesssomuch?Givemeyourhand.

Youadmitit,then?Givemeyourhand.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Andmyhearttoo.

Andmyhearttoo.

CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands

CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

OBrutus!

Oh,Brutus!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whatsthematter?

Whatsthematter?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Havenotyouloveenoughtobearwithme,

Doyouhaveenoughloveformetobepatientwhenmybad

Whenthatrashhumorwhichmymothergaveme

temper,whichIinheritedfrommymother,makesmeforget

Makesmeforgetful?

howIshouldbehave?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Yes,Cassius.Andfromhenceforth

Yes,Cassius.Andfromnowon,whenyougethotwithme,Ill

WhenyouareoverearnestwithyourBrutus,

assumeitsyourmotherspeakingandleaveitatthat.

Hellthinkyourmotherchidesandleaveyouso.

130

POET

POET

(within)Letmegointoseethegenerals.

(offstage)Letmeintoseethegenerals.Theresagrudge

Thereissomegrudgebetween'em.'Tisnotmeet

betweenthem,anditisntagoodideaforthemtobealone.

Theybealone.
LUCILLIUS
(within)Youshallnotcometo

135

LUCILLIUS
them.

(offstage)Youcantseethem.

POET

POET

(within)Nothingbutdeathshallstayme.

(offstage)Youdhavetokillmetostopme.

EnteraPOETfollowedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS

APOETenters,followedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Hownow?Whatsthematter?

Whatsthis!Whatsthematter?

POET

POET

Forshame,yougenerals!Whatdoyoumean?

Youshouldbeashamed,generals!Whatdoyouthinkyoure

Love,andbefriendsastwosuchmenshouldbe.

doing?

ForIhaveseenmoreyears,Imsure,thanye.

Loveeachotherandbefriends,liketwosuchmenshouldbe.
Listentome,becauseImolderthanyou,surely.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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Ha,ha,howvilelydoththiscynicrhyme!

140

145

67

Haha!Thismansrhymesareterrible!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(toPOET)Getyouhence,sirrah.Saucyfellow,hence!

(toPOET)Getoutofhere,you!Getaway,yourudefellow!

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Bearwithhim,Brutus.'Tishisfashion.

Bepatientwithhim,Brutus.Thatsjusthowheis.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Illknowhishumorwhenheknowshistime.

Illhumorhimwhenhelearnshowtobehave.Whatshouldwe

Whatshouldthewarsdowiththesejiggingfools?

dowithalltheserhymingfoolsthatfollowusfromposttopost?

Companion,hence!

Getoutofhere,myfriend.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Away,away,begone.

Away,away,begone.

ExitPOET

ThePOETexits.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

LucilliusandTitinius,bidthecommanders

LucilliusandTitinius,orderthecommanderstohavethemen

Preparetolodgetheircompaniestonight.

campforthenight.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Andcomeyourselves,andbringMessalawithyou,

Andreturntousimmediately,bringingMessalawithyou.

Immediatelytous.
ExeuntLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS
BRUTUS
(callsoff)Lucius,abowlof

150

155

LUCILLIUSandTITINIUSexit.
BRUTUS

wine!

(callingoffstage)Lucius,bringabowlofwine.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ididnotthinkyoucouldhavebeensoangry.

Ididntthinkyoucouldevenbesoangry.

OriginalText

ModernText

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

OCassius,Iamsickofmanygriefs.

OhCassius,Imtiredoutbymanysorrows.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ofyourphilosophyyoumakenouse

YoureforgettingyourStoicphilosophyifyouallowchance

Ifyougiveplacetoaccidentalevils.

misfortunestoupsetyou.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Nomanbearssorrowbetter.Portiaisdead.

Noonebearssorrowbetterthanme.Portiaisdead.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ha,Portia?

Portia!

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Sheisdead.

Sheisdead.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

HowscapedIkillingwhenIcrossedyouso?

Howdidyoumanagenottokillmewhenwearguedjustnow?

Oinsupportableandtouchingloss!

Whatanirreplaceableandgrievousloss!Whatsicknessdid

Uponwhatsickness?

shedieof?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Impatientofmyabsence,

Shewasworriedaboutmyabsence,andaboutthefactthat

AndgriefthatyoungOctaviuswithMarkAntony

youngOctaviusandMarkAntonyhavegrownsostrong

Havemadethemselvessostrongforwithherdeath

whichIfoundoutatthesametimeasthenewsofherdeath.

Thattidingscamewiththisshefelldistract

Shebecamefullofdespairand,whenherattendantswere

LineOriginalText
160

165

Modern Text

And,herattendantsabsent,swallowedfire.

away,swallowedburningcoals.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Anddiedso?

Andthatshowshedied?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Evenso.

Yes,likethat.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Oyeimmortalgods!

Oh,immortalgods!

EnterLUCIUS withwineandtapers

LUCIUSenterswithwineandcandles.

OriginalText

ModernText

68

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Speaknomoreofher.Givemeabowlofwine.

Donttalkaboutheranymore.Givemeabowlofwine.With

InthisIburyallunkindness,Cassius.

thistoastIburyallbadfeelingsbetweenus,Cassius.(he

(drinks)

drinks)

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepledge.

Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepromise.Fillmycup,Lucius,

Fill,Lucius,tillthewineo'erswellthecup.

untilthewineoverflowsit.IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutuss

IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutus'love.

love.(hedrinks)

(drinks)

170

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA

TITINIUSandMESSALAenter.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Comein,Titinius.Welcome,goodMessala!

Comein,Titinius!Welcome,goodMessala.Nowletssit

Nowsitwecloseaboutthistaperhere

closelyaroundthiscandleanddiscussourneeds.

Andcallinquestionournecessities.

175

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Portia,artthougone?

Portia,areyoureallygone?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Nomore,Iprayyou.

Nomoreaboutthat,please.Messala,Ihavereceivedthese

Messala,Ihaveherereceivdletters

lettersexplainingthatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntonyare

ThatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntony

rushingtowardPhilippiandbearingdownuponuswitha

Comedownuponuswithamightypower,

mightypower.

BendingtheirexpeditiontowardPhilippi.

180

MESSALA

MESSALA

Myselfhavelettersoftheselfsametenor.

Ihavereceivedlettersthatsaythesame.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Withwhataddition?

Andanythingelse?

MESSALA

MESSALA

Thatbyproscriptionandbillsofoutlawry,

Thatwithaseriesoflegalwrits,Octavius,Antony,andLepidus

Octavius,Antony,andLepidus

haveputahundredsenatorstodeath.

Haveputtodeathanhundredsenators.
BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Thereinourlettersdonotwellagree.

Onthatpoint,ourlettersdontagree.Myletterssayonly

Minespeakofseventysenatorsthatdied

seventysenatorswerekilled,onebeingCicero.

Bytheirproscriptions,Cicerobeingone.

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Modern Text

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ciceroone?

Cicerotoo?

69

MESSALA

MESSALA

Ciceroisdead,

Ciceroisdead,bytheirdecree.(toBRUTUS)Haveyou

Andbythatorderofproscription.

receivedlettersfromyourwife,mylord?

(toBRUTUS)Hadyouyourlettersfromyourwife,mylord?

190

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

No,Messala.

No,Messala.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Nornothinginyourletterswritofher?

Andyouhaventheardanynewsaboutherinyourletters?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Nothing,Messala.

Nothing,Messala.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Thatmethinksisstrange.

Ithinkthatsstrange.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whyaskyou?Hearyouaughtofherinyours?

Whydoyouask?Haveyouheardsomethingofherinyour
letters?

195

200

205

MESSALA

MESSALA

No,mylord.

No,mylord.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Now,asyouareaRoman,tellmetrue.

Now,asyoureaRoman,tellmethetruth.

MESSALA

MESSALA

ThenlikeaRomanbearthetruthItell.

ThenyoumusttakethetruthIhavetotelllikeaRoman.Its

Forcertainsheisdead,andbystrangemanner.

certainthatsheisdead,andshediedinastrangeway.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Why,farewell,Portia.Wemustdie,Messala.

Well,goodbye,Portia.Weallmustdie,Messala.Having

Withmeditatingthatshemustdieonce,

alreadythoughtaboutthefactthatshewouldhavetodie

Ihavethepatiencetoendureitnow.

sometime,Icanendureherdeathnow.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Evensogreatmengreatlossesshouldendure.

Thatsthewaygreatmenoughttoenduregreatlosses.

OriginalText

ModernText

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ihaveasmuchofthisinartasyou,

IvepracticedStoicismwithasmuchdevotionasyou,butIstill

Butyetmynaturecouldnotbearitso.

couldntbearthisnewslikeyoudo.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Well,toourworkalive.Whatdoyouthink

Well,letsmoveontoourworkwiththeliving.Whatdoyou

OfmarchingtoPhilippipresently?

thinkofmarchingtoPhilippiimmediately?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Idonotthinkitgood.

Idontthinkitsagoodidea.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Yourreason?

Whynot?

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thisitis:

Hereswhy:itdbebetterfortheenemytocomeafterus.That

'Tisbetterthattheenemyseekus.

way,hellwastehisprovisionsandtireouthissoldiers,

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70

Soshallhewastehismeans,wearyhissoldiers,

weakeninghisowncapacities,whilewe,lyingstill,arerested,

Doinghimselfoffense,whilstwe,lyingstill,

energetic,andnimble.

Arefullofrest,defense,andnimbleness.

210

215

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Goodreasonsmustofforcegiveplacetobetter.

Yourreasonsaregood,butIhavebetterreasonsfordoingthe

ThepeopletwixtPhilippiandthisground

opposite.ThepeoplewholivebetweenhereandPhilippiare

Dostandbutinaforcedaffection,

loyaltousonlybecauseweforcethemtobe.Wemadethem

Fortheyhavegrudgeduscontribution.

contributetooureffortsagainsttheirwill.Theenemy,

Theenemy,marchingalongbythem,

marchingpastthem,willaddthemtoitsnumbers,thencome

Bythemshallmakeafullernumberup,

atusrefreshed,newlyreinforced,andfullofcourage.Thuswe

Comeonrefreshed,newadded,andencouraged,

mustcuthimofffromthisadvantage.Ifwemeethimat

Fromwhichadvantageshallwecuthimoff

Philippi,thesepeoplewillbeatourbacks.

IfatPhilippiwedofacehimthere,
Thesepeopleatourback.

220

225

230

235

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Hearme,goodbrother

Listentome,goodbrother.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Underyourpardon.Youmustnotebeside,

Beggingyourpardon,IllcontinuewhatIwassaying.Youmust

Thatwehavetriedtheutmostofourfriends,

alsotakeintoaccountthatwevegottenasmuchfromour

Ourlegionsarebrimfull,ourcauseisripe.

friendsastheycangive.Ourregimentsarefulltothebrimour

Theenemyincreasetheveryday.

causeisready.

We,attheheight,arereadytodecline.

Theenemygetslargereachday.We,nowatourlargest,can

Thereisatideintheaffairsofmen,

onlydecrease.Theresatidalmovementinmensaffairs.

Which,takenattheflood,leadsontofortune

Seizingthehighesttideleadsontofortune.Ifhightideisletto

Omitted,allthevoyageoftheirlife

pass,alltherestofthevoyageoftheirliveswillbemarkedby

Isboundinshallowsandinmiseries.

difficultyandmisery.Itsonsuchahightidethatwerenow

Onsuchafullseaarewenowafloat,

floating,andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitisoffered,or

Andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitserves

loseourcampaign.

Orloseourventures.
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Then,withyourwill,goon.

Ifthatswhatyouwant,allright.Wellgoforwardwithyouand

Wellalongourselves,andmeetthematPhilippi.

meetthematPhilippi.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Thedeepofnightiscreptuponourtalk,

Itsnowlateatnight,andactionsmustaccommodatebodily

Andnaturemustobeynecessity,

needs,whichwellsatisfywithonlya shortrest.Thatsallthere

Whichwewillniggardwithalittlerest.

istosay.

Thereisnomoretosay?
CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Nomore.Goodnight.

Theresnothingelse.Goodnight.Wellriseandleaveearly

Earlytomorrowwillweriseandhence.

tomorrow.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Lucius!

Lucius!

EnterLUCIUS

LUCIUSenters.

My gown.

Mynightgown.

ExitLUCIUS

LUCIUSexits.

Farewell,goodMessala.

Farewell,goodMessala.Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,noble

Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,nobleCassius,

Cassius,goodnightandsleepwell.

Goodnightandgoodrepose.

LineOriginalText
CASSIUS
240

Modern Text

71

CASSIUS

Omydearbrother,

Ohmydearbrother!Thiswasabadstarttothenight.Lets

Thiswasanillbeginningofthenight.

praythatwenevercomeintoconflictlikethatagain.Letsnot,

Nevercomesuchdivisiontweenoursouls.

Brutus.

Letitnot,Brutus.

245

250

EnterLUCIUS withthegown

LUCIUSenterswiththenightgown.

OriginalText

ModernText

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Everythingiswell.

Everythingsfine.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Goodnight,mylord.

Goodnight,mylord.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Goodnight,goodbrother.

Goodnight,goodbrother.

TITINIUS,MESSALA

TITINIUS,MESSALA

Goodnight,LordBrutus.

Goodnight,LordBrutus.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Farewell,everyone.

Farewell,everyone.

ExeuntCASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALA

CASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALAexit.

Givemethegown.Whereisthyinstrument?

Givemethegown.Wheresyourlute?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Hereinthetent.

Hereinthetent.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

What,thouspeakstdrowsily?

What,areyousleepy?Poorboy,Idontblameyouyouve

Poorknave,Iblametheenot.Thouarto'erwatched.

stayedawaketoolong.CallClaudioandsomeofmyother

CallClaudioandsomeotherofmymen.

men.Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.

Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.
LUCIUS

LUCIUS

VarrusandClaudio!

VarrusandClaudio!

EnterVARRUSandCLAUDIO

VARRUSandCLAUDIOenter.

VARRUS

VARRUS

Callsmylord?

Didyoucall,mylord?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iprayyou,sirs,lieinmytentandsleep.

Sirs,Iaskyoutosleepinmytent.Imightwakeyouupina

ItmaybeIshallraiseyoubyandby

whiletosendyouonanerrandtomybrotherCassius.

OnbusinesstomybrotherCassius.

255

VARRUS

VARRUS

Sopleaseyou,wewillstandandwatchyourpleasure.

Ifyoulike,wellstandbyandwaittodowhateveryouneed.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Iwillnothaveitso.Liedown,goodsirs.

No,please,liedown,goodsirs,becauseImightchangemy

ItmaybeIshallotherwisebethinkme.

mind.Look,Lucius,heresthebookIwassearchingfor.Iputit

Look,Lucius,heresthebookIsoughtforso.

inthepocketofmynightgown.

Iputitinthepocketofmygown.
VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown

VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown.

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Modern Text

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Iwassureyourlordshipdidnotgiveitme.

Iwassurethatyouhadntgivenittome.

72

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Bearwithme,goodboy,Iammuchforgetful.

Bearwithme,goodboy.Ivebecomeveryforgetful.Canyou

Canstthouholdupthyheavyeyesawhile,

stayawakeabitlongerandplayafewtunesonyourlute?

Andtouchthyinstrumentastrainortwo?

265

270

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Ay,mylord,antpleaseyou.

Yes,mylord,ifyouwouldlike.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Itdoes,myboy.

Iwould,myboy.Iasktoomuchofyou,butyourealways

Itroubletheetoomuch,butthouartwilling.

willing.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Itismyduty,sir.

Itsmyduty,sir.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ishouldnoturgethydutypastthymight.

Ishouldntmakeyoudomorethanyoureable.Iknowthat

Iknowyoungbloodslookforatimeofrest.

youngmenlookforwardtotheirrest.

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Ihaveslept,mylord,already.

Ivealreadyslept,mylord.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Itwaswelldone,andthoushaltsleepagain.

Thatwasgoodplanning,andyoullsleepsomemore.Iwont

Iwillnotholdtheelong.IfIdolive,

keepyouverylong.IfIlivethroughthis,Illbegoodtoyou.

Iwillbegoodtothee.

275

280

LUCIUSplaysmusicandsingsasong,fallingasleep

LUCIUSplaysmusicandsingsasong,thenfallsasleep.

Thisisasleepytune.Omurderousslumber,

Thisisasleepytune.Oh,deadeningsleep,haveyoutaken

Laystthouthyleadenmaceuponmyboy

overmyboywhoplaysmusicforyou?Gentleboy,goodnight.

Thatplaystheemusic?Gentleknave,goodnight.

Iwonttroubleyousomuchastowakeyou.Ifyouwereto

Iwillnotdotheesomuchwrongtowakethee.

droopdown,youdbreakyourinstrument,andsoIlltakeit

Ifthoudostnod,thoubreakstthyinstrument.

fromyou.Goodnight,goodboy.Letmesee,letmesee.Didnt

Illtakeitfromthee.And,goodboy,goodnight.

IturndownthepagewhereIleftoffreading?Hereitis,Ithink.

Letmesee,letmesee.Isnottheleafturneddown

Thiscandledoesntgivemuchlight.

WhereIleftreading?Hereitis,Ithink.
EntertheGHOSTofCaesar

285

TheGHOSTofCaesarenters.

Howillthistaperburns!Ha,whocomeshere?

What!Whogoesthere?Ithinkitsmybadeyesightthats

Ithinkitistheweaknessofmineeyes

makingmeseethishorriblevision.Itscomingtowardme.Are

Thatshapesthismonstrousapparition.

youreal?Areyouagod,anangel,oradevil,thatyoumake

Itcomesuponme.Artthouanything?

mybloodturncoldandmyhairstandup?Tellmewhatyou

Artthousomegod,someangel,orsomedevil

are.

Thatmakestmybloodcoldandmyhairtostare?
Speaktomewhatthouart.

290

GHOST

GHOST

Thyevilspirit,Brutus.

Imyourevilspirit,Brutus.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whycomestthou?

Whydoyoucomehere?

GHOST

GHOST

TotelltheethoushaltseemeatPhilippi.

TotellyouthatyoullseemeatPhilippi.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

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Modern Text

73

Well,thenIshallseetheeagain?

ThenIllseeyouagain?

GHOST

GHOST

Ay,atPhilippi.

Yes,atPhilippi.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Why,IwillseetheeatPhilippi,then.

Alright,thenIllseeyouatPhilippi.

ExitGHOST

TheGHOSTexits.

NowIhavetakenheartthouvanishest.

Justasyougo,Ifindthecouragetotalktoyou.Evilspirit,I

Illspirit,Iwouldholdmoretalkwiththee.

wanttotalksomemore.Boy,Lucius!Varrus!Claudio!Sirs,

Boy,Lucius!Varrus!Claudio!Sirs,awake!

awake!Claudio!

Claudio!
LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Thestrings,mylord,arefalse.

Mylord,thestringsareoutoftune.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Hethinkshestillisathisinstrument.

Hethinkshesstillplayinghisinstrument.Lucius,wakeup!

Lucius,awake.

300

305

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Mylord?

Mylord?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Didstthoudream,Lucius,thatthousocriedstout?

Wereyoudreaming,Lucius?Isthatwhyyoucriedout?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Mylord,IdonotknowthatIdidcry.

Mylord,IdontthinkIcriedout.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Yes,thatthoudidst.Didstthouseeanything?

Yes,youdid.Didyouseeanything?

LUCIUS

LUCIUS

Nothing,mylord.

Nothing,mylord.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Sleepagain,Lucius.SirrahClaudio!

Gobacktosleep,Lucius.Claudio!(toVARRUS)Youthere,

(toVARRUS)

wakeup!

Fellowthou,awake!

310

VARRUS

VARRUS

Mylord?

Mylord?

CLAUDIO

CLAUDIO

Mylord?

Mylord?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Whydidyousocryout,sirs,inyoursleep?

Whydidyoucryoutinyoursleep?

VARRUS,CLAUDIO

VARRUS,CLAUDIO

Didwe,mylord?

Didwe,mylord?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ay.Sawyouanything?

Yes.Didyouseeanything?

VARRUS

VARRUS

No,mylord,Isawnothing.

No,mylord,Ididntseeanything.

CLAUDIO

CLAUDIO

NorI,mylord.

Meneither,mylord.

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74

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

GoandcommendmetomybrotherCassius.

GotomybrotherCassius.Orderhimtoadvancehisforces

Bidhimsetonhispowersbetimesbefore,

firstthing,andwellfollow.

Andwewillfollow.
VARRUS,CLAUDIO

VARRUS,CLAUDIO

Itshallbedone,mylord.

Yes,mylord.

Exeuntseverally

Everyoneexitsindifferentdirections.

EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy

OCTAVIUSandANTONYenterwiththeirarmy.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Now,Antony,ourhopesareanswerd.

Now,Antony,ourprayershavebeenanswered.Yousaidthe

Yousaidtheenemywouldnotcomedown

enemywouldntcomedownbutkeeptothehillsandupper

Butkeepthehillsandupperregions.

regions.Itseemsnot.Theirforcesarenearby.Theyintendto

Itprovesnotso.Theirbattlesareathand.

challengeushereatPhilippi,respondingtoourchallenge

TheymeantowarnusatPhilippihere,

beforeweveevenchallengedhim.

Act5,Scene1

Answeringbeforewedodemandofthem.

10

ANTONY

ANTONY

Tut,Iamintheirbosoms,andIknow

Iknowhowtheythink,andIunderstandwhytheyredoing

Whereforetheydoit.Theycouldbecontent

this.Theyreallywishtheyweresomewhereelse,butthey

Tovisitotherplaces,andcomedown

wanttodescendonus,lookingfiercesowellthinktheyre

Withfearfulbravery,thinkingbythisface

brave.Buttheyarent.

Tofasteninourthoughtsthattheyhavecourage.
Buttisnotso.

15

EnteraMESSENGER

AMESSENGERenters.

MESSENGER

MESSENGER

Prepareyou,generals.

Prepareyourselves,generals.Theenemyapproacheswith

Theenemycomesoningallantshow.

greatdisplay.Theyshowtheirbloodyheraldsofbattle,and

Theirbloodysignofbattleishungout,

somethingmustbedoneimmediately.

Andsomethingtobedoneimmediately.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Octavius,leadyourbattlesoftlyon,

Octavius,leadyourforcesslowlyouttotheleftsideofthe

Uponthelefthandoftheevenfield.

levelfield.

LineOriginalText

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75

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

UpontherighthandI.Keepthoutheleft.

Illgototherightside.Youstayontheleft.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Whydoyoucrossmeinthisexigent?

Whyareyoudefyingmeinthisurgentmatter?

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Idonotcrossyou.ButIwilldoso.

Imnotdefyingyou,butitswhatImgoingtodo.

March.Drum.EnterBRUTUS,CASSIUS,andtheirarmy,includingLUCILLIUS,

Thesoundofsoldiersmarching,andadrum.BRUTUSand

TITINIUS,andMESSALA

CASSIUSenterwiththeirarmy,whichincludesLUCILLIUS,
TITINIUS,andMESSALA.

25

30

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Theystandandwouldhaveparley.

Theyvestopped.Theywanttotalk.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Standfast,Titinius.Wemustoutandtalk.

Stayhere,Titinius.Wehavetogooutandtalktothem.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

MarkAntony,shallwegivesignofbattle?

MarkAntony,shouldwegivethesignaltoattack?

ANTONY

ANTONY

No,Caesar,wewillanswerontheircharge.

No,OctaviusCaesar,wellrespondtotheircharge.Go

Makeforth.Thegeneralswouldhavesomewords.

forward.Thegeneralswanttospeakwithus.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

(tohisarmy)Stirnotuntilthesignal.

(tohisarmy)Dontmoveuntilwegivethesignal.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Wordsbeforeblows.Isitso,countrymen?

Wordsbeforefighting.Isthathowitis,countrymen?

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Notthatwelovewordsbetter,asyoudo.

Notthatwelovewordsmorethanfighting,likeyoudo.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.

Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Inyourbadstrokes,Brutus,yougivegoodwords.

Brutus,yougiveanicespeechalongwithyourevilstrokes.

WitnesstheholeyoumadeinCaesarsheart,

ThinkoftheholeyoumadeinCaesarsheartwhenyou

CryingLonglive,hail,Caesar!

cried,LongliveCaesar!HailCaesar!

LineOriginalText

35

40

45

50

55

Modern Text

76

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Antony,

Antony,wedontyetknowwhatkindofblowsyoucaninflict.

Thepostureofyourblowsareyetunknown.

Butyourwordsareassweetashoneyyouvestolenfrom

Butforyourwords,theyrobtheHyblabees

thebeesandleftthemwithnothing.

Andleavethemhoneyless.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Notstinglesstoo?

Itooktheirstingstoo,wouldntyousay?

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Oh,yes,andsoundlesstoo.

Oh,yes,andyouveleftthemsilenttoo,becauseyoustole

Foryouhavestol'ntheirbuzzing,Antony,

theirbuzzing,Antony.Youverywiselywarnusbeforeyou

Andverywiselythreatbeforeyousting.

sting.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Villains,youdidnotsowhenyourviledaggers

Villains,youdidntdoeventhatmuchwhenyourviledaggers

HackedoneanotherinthesidesofCaesar.

struckeachotherastheyhackedupCaesarssides.You

Youshowedyourteethlikeapes,andfawnedlikehounds,

smiledlikeapesandfawnedlikedogsandbowedlike

Andbowedlikebondmen,kissingCaesarsfeet,

servants,kissingCaesarsfeet.Andallthewhile,damned

WhilstdamndCasca,likeacur,behind

Casca,likeadog,struckCaesarontheneckfrombehind.

StruckCaesarontheneck.Oyouflatterers!

Oh,youflatterers!

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Flatterers?Now,Brutus,thankyourself.

Flatterers!Now,Brutus,youhaveonlyyourselftothank.

Thistonguehadnotoffendedsotoday

Antonywouldntbeheretooffendustodayifyoudlistened

IfCassiusmighthaveruled.

tomeearlier.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Come,come,thecause.Ifarguingmakeussweat,

Come,come,letsrememberwhywerehere.Ifarguing

Theproofofitwillturntoredderdrops.

makesussweat,therealtrialwillturnthatwatertoblood.(he

(drawshissword)Look,Idrawaswordagainstconspirators.

drawshissword)Look:Idrawmyswordagainst

Whenthinkyouthattheswordgoesupagain?

conspirators.WhendoyouthinkIllputitaway?Never,until

Never,tillCaesarsthreeandthirtywounds

Caesarsthirtythreewoundsarewellavenged,oruntilItoo

Bewellavenged,ortillanotherCaesar

havebeenkilledbyyou.

Haveaddedslaughtertotheswordoftraitors.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Caesar,thoucanstnotdiebytraitors'hands

Caesar,yourenotgoingtobekilledbyatraitorunlessyou

Unlessthoubringstthemwiththee.

killyourself..

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OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

SoIhope.

Ihopeyoureright.Iwasntborntodieonyoursword.

IwasnotborntodieonBrutus'sword.

60

65

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

O,ifthouwertthenoblestofthystrain,

Ifyouwerethenoblestofyourfamily,youngman,you

Youngman,thoucouldstnotdiemorehonorable.

couldntdiemorehonorably.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Apeevishschoolboy,worthlessofsuchhonor,

Anannoyingschoolboy,unworthyofsuchanhonor,joined

Joinedwithamaskerandareveler!

byamasqueraderandapartier!

ANTONY

ANTONY

OldCassiusstill.

StillthesameoldCassius!

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Come,Antony,away.

ComeAntony,letsgo.Traitors,wedefyyou.Ifyoudareto

Defiance,traitors,hurlweinyourteeth.

fighttoday,cometothefield.Ifnot,comewhenyouhavethe

Ifyoudarefighttoday,cometothefield.

courage.

Ifnot,whenyouhavestomachs.

70

ExeuntOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy

OCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmyexit.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Why,now,blowwind,swellbillow,andswimbark!

Nowletthewindblow,wavesswell,andshipssink!The

Thestormisupandallisonthehazard.

stormhasbegunandeverythingisatstake.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ho,Lucillius,hark,awordwithyou.

Lucillius!Idlikeawordwithyou.

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

(standsforth)

(comingforward)Mylord?

Mylord?

BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS converseapart

BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS conversetotheside.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Messala!

Messala!

MESSALA

MESSALA

(standsforth)

(comingforward)Whatisit,mygeneral?

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Whatsaysmygeneral?

75

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Messala,

Messala,todayismybirthdayIwasbornonthisveryday.

Thisismybirthday,asthisveryday

Givemeyourhand,Messala.

WasCassiusborn.Givemethyhand,Messala.

YoullbemywitnessthatIvebeenforced,asPompeywas,

Bethoumywitnessthatagainstmywill,

towagerallofourfreedomsononebattle.

AsPompeywas,amIcompelledtoset
Upononebattleallourliberties.

80

85

YouknowthatIheldEpicurusstrong

YouknowthatIusedtobelieveinEpicurusandhisdisregard

Andhisopinion.NowIchangemymind,

foromens.Ivechangedmymindnowandpartlybelievein

Andpartlycreditthingsthatdopresage.

omens.TravelingfromSardis,twomightyeaglesfellonour

ComingfromSardis,onourformerensign

frontflagandperchedthere,eatingfromthehandsofthe

Twomightyeaglesfell,andtheretheyperched,

soldierswhodaccompaniedustoPhilippi.Thismorning,

Gorgingandfeedingfromoursoldiers'hands,

theyveflownawayandintheirplaceareravens,crows,and

WhotoPhilippihereconsortedus.

kites,flyingoverourheadsandlookingdownonus,as

Thismorningaretheyfledawayandgone,

thoughweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsarelikeadeadly

Andintheirsteadsdoravens,crows,andkites

canopy,underwhichourarmylies,readytodie.

Flyo'erourheadsanddownwardlookonus
Asweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsseem
Acanopymostfatal,underwhich
90

Ourarmylies,readytogiveuptheghost.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Believenotso.

Dontbelieveinthis.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Ibutbelieveitpartly,

Ionlypartlybelieveit,forImenthusiasticandresolvedto

ForIamfreshofspiritandresolved

meetalldangerswithoutwavering.

Tomeetallperilsveryconstantly.

95

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

(returningwithLUCILLIUS)Evenso,Lucillius.

(returningwithLUCILLIUS)Right,Lucillius.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Now,mostnobleBrutus,

Now,mostnobleBrutus,thegodsarefriendlywithustoday

Thegodstodaystandfriendlythatwemay,

sothatwe,whowantpeace,canliveontooldage!Butsince

Loversinpeace,leadonourdaystoage.

theaffairsofmenarealwaysuncertain,letsthinkaboutthe

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Butsincetheaffairsofmenreststillincertain,

worstthatmayhappen.Ifwelosethisbattle,thisisthelast

Letsreasonwiththeworstthatmaybefall.

timewellspeaktoeachother.Ifwelose,whatdoyouplan

Ifwedolosethisbattle,thenisthis

todo?

Theverylasttimeweshallspeaktogether.
Whatareyouthendetermindtodo?

105

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Evenbytheruleofthatphilosophy

BythesameprinciplethatmademecondemnCatofor

BywhichIdidblameCatoforthedeath

committingsuicide,Iplantobepatientandsubmittowhat

Whichhedidgivehimself(Iknownothow,

thegodsdecide.Idontknowwhy,butIfinditcowardlyand

ButIdofinditcowardlyandvile,

viletokilloneselfearlytopreventpossiblesufferinglateron.

Forfearofwhatmightfall,sotoprevent
Thetimeoflife),armingmyselfwithpatience
Tostaytheprovidenceofsomehighpowers
Thatgovernusbelow.

110

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thenifwelosethisbattle

Thenifwelosethisbattle,youllbewillingtobeledinchains

Youarecontentedtobeledintriumph

throughthestreetsofRome?

ThoroughthestreetsofRome?

115

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

No,Cassius,no.Thinknot,thounobleRoman,

No,Cassius,no.DontimaginethatIlleverallowmyselfto

ThateverBrutuswillgoboundtoRome.

returntoRomeinchains.Mymindistoogreatforthat.But

Hebearstoogreatamind.Butthissameday

today,theworkthatMarch15thbeganmustend,andIdont

MustendthatworktheidesofMarchbegun.

knowifwellmeetagain.Therefore,acceptmyeverlasting

AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot.

farewell.Foreverandforever,farewell,Cassius!Ifwemeet

Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake.

again,thenwellsmile.Ifnot,thenthispartingwaswelldone.

Foreverandforeverfarewell,Cassius.
Ifwedomeetagain,why,weshallsmile.
120

Ifnot,whythenthispartingwaswellmade.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Foreverandforeverfarewell,Brutus.

Foreverandforever,farewell,Brutus!Ifwemeetagain,then

Ifwedomeetagain,wellsmileindeed.

wellsmileindeed.Ifnot,itstrue,thispartingwaswelldone.

Ifnot,tistruethispartingwaswellmade.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

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Whythen,leadon.Oh,thatamanmightknow

Well,leadon.Oh,IwishIcouldknowwhatwillhappentoday

Theendofthisdaysbusinessereitcome!

beforeithappens!Butitsenoughtoknowthatthedaywill

Butitsufficeththatthedaywillend,

end,andthentheendwillbeknown.Come!Letsgo!

Andthentheendisknown.Come,ho!Away!

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

Act5,Scene2

Alarum.EnterBRUTUSandMESSALA

Soundsofbattle.BRUTUSandMESSALAenter.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesebills

Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesedispatchestoour

Untothelegionsontheotherside.

forcesontheotherside.

Lowalarum

Faintsoundsofbattle.

Letthemsetonatonce,forIperceive

Theyshouldadvanceimmediately,becauseIsense

ButcolddemeanorinOctavius'wing,

Octaviusssideisabitfaintheartedrightnow,andasudden

Andsuddenpushgivesthemtheoverthrow.

pushwouldoverthrowhim.Ride,ride,Messala.Let

Ride,ride,Messala.Letthemallcomedown.

Cassiusswingmountasurpriseattack.

Exeuntseverally

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

Act5,Scene3

AlarumsEnterCASSIUSandTITINIUS

Soundsofbattle.CASSIUSandTITINIUSenter.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

O,look,Titinius,look,thevillainsfly!

Oh,look,Titinius,look!Thosevillains,oursoldiers,flee!Ive

Myselfhavetomineownturnedenemy.

becomeanenemytomyownsoldiers!Thisstandardbearer

Thisensignhereofminewasturningback.

hereofminewasrunningaway,soIkilledhimandtooktheflag

Islewthecowardanddidtakeitfromhim.

fromhim.(pointstohisflag)

(indicateshisstandard)

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

OCassius,Brutusgavethewordtooearly,

Oh,Cassius,Brutusgavetheorderstoosoon.Havingan

Who,havingsomeadvantageonOctavius,

advantageoverOctavius,hetookittooeagerly,andhis

Tookittooeagerly.Hissoldiersfelltospoil,

soldiersbeganlooting,andnowweresurroundedbyAntonys

WhilstwebyAntonyareallenclosed.

men.

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EnterPINDARUS

PINDARUSenters.

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

Flyfurtheroff,mylord,flyfurtheroff.

Retreatfurther,mylord,retreatfurther.MarkAntonyisinyour

MarkAntonyisinyourtents,mylord.

tents,mylord.Thereforeyoumustrun,nobleCassius.

Fly,therefore,nobleCassius,flyfaroff.

15

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius.

Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius.Arethosemytents

ArethosemytentswhereIperceivethefire?

onfire?

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

Theyare,mylord.

Theyare,mylord.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Titinius,ifthoulovestme,

Titinius,ifyouloveme,getonyourhorseandspurhimonuntil

Mountthoumyhorse,andhidethyspursinhim

hesbroughtyoutothosetroopsandbackagain,sothatIcan

Tillhehavebroughttheeuptoyondertroops

findoutwhetherthosetroopsarefriendsorenemies.

Andhereagain,thatImayrestassured
Whetheryondtroopsarefriendorenemy.

20

25

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

Iwillbehereagain,evenwithathought.

Illbebackquickerthanyoucanthinkathought.

ExitTITINIUS

Heexits.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Go,Pindarus,gethigheronthathill.

Go,Pindarus,climbalittlehigheronthishill.Myeyesighthas

Mysightwaseverthick.RegardTitinius,

alwaysbeenbad.WatchTitiniusandtellmewhatyouseein

Andtellmewhatthounotestaboutthefield.

thefield.

PINDARUSascendsthehill

PINDARUSascendsthehill.

ThisdayIbreathedfirst.Timeiscomeround,

TodaywasthedayIbreathedmyfirstbreath.Timehascome

AndwhereIdidbegin,thereshallIend.

round,andIllendwhereIbegan.Mylifehasrunitscircle.(to

Mylifeisrunhiscompass.

PINDARUS)Whatcanyousee,boy?

(toPINDARUS)Sirrah,what

news?

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

(above)Omylord!

(above)Oh,mylord!

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CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Whatnews?

Whatnews?

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

(above)Titiniusisenclosdroundabout

(above)Titiniusissurroundedbyhorsemenwhoarequickly

Withhorsemen,thatmaketohimonthespur.

approachinghim,yethespursonward.Nowtheyrealmoston

Yethespurson.Nowtheyarealmostonhim.

him.Now,Titinius!Nowsomedismount.Oh,hegetsdowntoo.

Now,Titinius.Nowsomelight.Oh,helightstoo.

Hestaken.

Hesta'en.

35

Shoutwithin

Ashoutoffstage.

And,hark!Theyshoutforjoy.

Andlisten!Theyshoutforjoy.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

Comedown,beholdnomore.

Comedown,looknomore.Oh,Imsuchacowardforliving

Oh,cowardthatIam,tolivesolong

longenoughtoseemybestfriendtakenbeforemyeyes!

Toseemybestfriendta'enbeforemyface!

40

45

PINDARUS returns

PINDARUS returns.

Comehither,sirrah.

Comehere,boy.ItookyouprisonerinParthia,andatthattime

InParthiadidItaketheeprisoner.

ImadeyousweartotrytodowhateverIorderedyouto,except

AndthenIsworethee,savingofthylife,

takeyourownlife.Comenow,keepyouroath.(giveshissword

ThatwhatsoeverIdidbidtheedo,

toPINDARUS)Nowyoullbeafreeman.Takethisgoodsword,

Thoushouldstattemptit.Comenow,keepthineoath.

whichranthroughCaesarsbowels,andplungeitinmychest.

(giveshisswordtoPINDARUS)

Donthesitate.Here,takethehandle,andwhenmyfaceis

Nowbeafreeman,andwiththisgoodsword

coveredasitisnow,usethesword.

ThatranthroughCaesarsbowels,searchthisbosom.
Standnottoanswer.Heretakethouthehilts
And,whenmyfaceiscovered,astisnow,
Guidethouthesword.

50

PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS

PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS.

Caesar,thouartrevenged,

Caesar,youarerevengedwiththeverysameswordthatkilled

Evenwiththeswordthatkilledthee.

you.(hedies)

(dies)

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

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SoIamfree.Yetwouldnotsohavebeen,

So Imfree.ButIdidntwanttobefreelikethis.Oh,Cassius,Ill

DurstIhavedonemywill.OCassius,

runfarfromthiscountrytowherenoRomanscanfindme.

FarfromthiscountryPindarusshallrun,
WhereneverRomanshalltakenoteofhim.

55

60

65

ExitPINDARUS

Heexits.

EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA

TITINIUSandMESSALAenter.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Itisbutchange,Titinius,forOctavius

Thearmieshavemerelychangedplaces,Titinius,because

IsoverthrownbynobleBrutus'power,

OctaviushasbeenoverthrownbynobleBrutussforcesatthe

AsCassius'legionsarebyAntony.

verymomentthatAntonyoverthrewCassiusslegions.

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

ThesetidingswillwellcomfortCassius.

ThisnewswillcomfortCassius.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Wheredidyouleavehim?

Wheredidyouleavehim?

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

Alldisconsolate,

Onthishillandindespair,withhisslavePindarus.

WithPindarushisbondmanonthishill.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Isnotthathethatliesupontheground?

Isntthathimontheground?

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

Heliesnotliketheliving.Omyheart!

Hedoesntseemtobealive.Oh,myheart!

MESSALA

MESSALA

Isnotthathe?

Isntthathim?

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

No,thiswashe,Messala,

No,itwashim,Messala,butCassiusisnomore.Justasthe

ButCassiusisnomore.Osettingsun,

sunsraysturnredwhenitsets,soCassiushasendedhislife

Asinthyredraysthoudostsinktonight,

inapoolofredblood.ThesunofRomehasset!Ourdayis

SoinhisredbloodCassius'dayisset.

over.Clouds,dew,anddangersapproach.Werefinished!He

ThesunofRomeisset.Ourdayisgone.

didntbelieveIwouldeverreturnonmymission,andsohe

Clouds,dews,anddangerscome!Ourdeedsaredone.

killedhimself.

Mistrustofmysuccesshathdonethisdeed.

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MESSALA

MESSALA

Mistrustofgoodsuccesshathdonethisdeed.

Yes,hekilledhimselfbecausehethoughtwedlostthewhole

Ohatefulerror,melancholyschild,

battle.Sadness,whichmisconstruesreality,gavebirthtohis

Whydostthoushowtotheaptthoughtsofmen

errorsinthinkingandthendestroyedhim.

Thethingsthatarenot?Oerror,soonconceived,
Thounevercomestuntoahappybirth
75

80

Butkillstthemotherthatengenderedthee!

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

What,Pindarus!Whereartthou,Pindarus?

Pindarus!Whereareyou,Pindarus?

MESSALA

MESSALA

Seekhim,Titinius,whilstIgotomeet

Lookforhim,Titinius,whileIgotomeetthenobleBrutusand

ThenobleBrutus,thrustingthisreport

forcehimtohearthisnews.IsayforcebecauseBrutuswould

Intohisears.Imaysaythrustingit,

ratherIstucksharpbladesandpoisonedarrowsinhisears

Forpiercingsteelanddartsenvenomd

thanfillthemwiththis.

ShallbeaswelcometotheearsofBrutus
Astidingsofthissight.

TITINIUS

TITINIUS

Hieyou,Messala,

Hurry,Messala,andIlllookforPindarusinthemeantime.

AndIwillseekforPindarusthewhile.

85

90

ExitMESSALA

MESSALAexits.

Whydidstthousendmeforth,braveCassius?

Whydidyousendmeout,braveCassius?DidntImeetupwith

DidInotmeetthyfriends?Anddidnotthey

yourallies?Anddidnttheyplacethewreathofvictoryonmy

Putonmybrowsthiswreathofvictory

browandordermetogiveittoyou?Didntyouheartheir

Andbidmegiveitthee?Didstthounotheartheirshouts?

shouts?Alas,youmisunderstoodeverything!Butletmeplace

Alas,thouhastmisconstruedeverything!

thiswreathonyourhead.YourBrutusorderedmetogiveitto

But,holdthee,takethisgarlandonthybrow.

you,andIlldowhathesays.(helaysawreathonCASSIUSs

ThyBrutusbidmegiveitthee,andI

head)Brutus,comethiswayandseehowmuchIadmired

Willdohisbidding.

CaiusCassius.Withyourpermission,gods,thisisaRomans

(layswreathonCASSIUSshead)Brutus,comeapace,

duty.Come,Cassiusssword,andstrikeTitiniussheart.(he

AndseehowIregardedCaiusCassius.

stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies.)

Byyourleave,gods,thisisaRomanspart.
95

Come,Cassius'sword,andfindTitinius'heart.
(stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies)

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Alarum.EnterBRUTUS,MESSALA,youngCATO,STRATO,VOLUMNIUS,

Soundsofbattle.BRUTUS,MESSALA,youngCATO,

LUCILLIUS,LABIO,andFLAVIO

STRATO,VOLUMNIUS,LUCILLIUS,LABIO,andFLAVIO
enter.

100

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Where,where,Messala,dothhisbodylie?

Whereishisbody,Messala?

MESSALA

MESSALA

Lo,yonder,andTitiniusmourningit.

Overthere,whereTitiniusmournsit.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Titinius'faceisupward.

Titiniusislyingfaceup.

CATO

CATO

Heisslain.

Hesbeenkilled.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

OJuliusCaesar,thouartmightyyet!

Oh,JuliusCaesar,youarestillpowerful.Yourghostwalksthe

Thyspiritwalksabroadandturnsourswords

earthandturnsourswordstowardourownstomachs.

Inourownproperentrails.

Lowalarums

Faintsoundsofbattle.

CATO

CATO

BraveTitinius!

BraveTitinius!Look,heevenputthecrownondeadCassius!

Lookwhe'erhehavenotcrowneddeadCassius.

105

110

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

AreyettwoRomanslivingsuchasthese?

CouldyouhavefoundtwoRomansasgoodasthesetwo?

ThelastofalltheRomans,faretheewell!

Goodbyetoyou,thelastofalltheRomans.Romewillnever

ItisimpossiblethateverRome

produceyourequal.Friends,Iowemoretearstothisdeadman

Shouldbreedthyfellow.Friends,Iowemoretears

thanyouwillseemeshed.Iwillfindthetimetocryforyou,

Tothisdeadmanthanyoushallseemepay.

Cassius,Illfindthetime.Come,then,andsendhisbodyto

Ishallfindtime,Cassius,Ishallfindtime.

Thasos.Wewonthavehisfuneralatourcamp,becauseit

Come,therefore,andtoThasossendhisbody.

mightmakeustoosadtofight.Lucillius,come.Andcome,

Hisfuneralsshallnotbeinourcamp,

youngCato.Letsproceedtothefield.LabioandFlavio,push

Lestitdiscomfortus.Lucillius,come.

ourarmiesonward.Itisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,before

Andcome,youngCato.Letustothefield.

night,wewilltryourluckinasecondbattle.

LabioandFlavio,setourbattleson.
115

'Tisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,yeterenight

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86

Weshalltryfortuneinasecondfight.

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

Alarum.EnterBRUTUS,MESSALA,CATO,LUCILLIUS,andFLAVIO

Soundsofbattle.BRUTUS,MESSALA,CATO,LUCILLIUS,
andFLAVIOenter.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Yet,countrymen,O,yetholdupyourheads!

Keepon,countrymen.Oh,keepyourheadsup,evennow!

ExeuntBRUTUS,MESSALA,andFLAVIO

BRUTUS,MESSALA,andFLAVIOexit.

CATO

CATO

Whatbastarddothnot?Whowillgowithme?

Whoissolowthathewouldnt?Whowilladvancewithme?I

Iwillproclaimmynameaboutthefield.

willproclaimmynamearoundthefield.IamthesonofMarcus

IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!

Cato!Anenemytotyrantsandafriendtomycountry.Iamthe

Afoetotyrants,andmycountrysfriend.

sonofMarcusCato!

IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!

10

EnterANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSFight

ANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSenterandfight.

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus,I!

AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus.Brutus,mycountrysfriend.

Brutus,mycountrysfriend.KnowmeforBrutus!

KnowthatIamBrutus!

SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO

SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO.

OyoungandnobleCato,artthoudown?

Oh,youngandnobleCato,haveyoubeenslain?Why,youdie

Why,nowthoudiestasbravelyasTitinius,

nowasbravelyasTitinius.Andyou,beingCatosson,willbe

Andmaystbehonored,beingCatosson.

honored.

FIRSTSOLDIER

FIRSTSOLDIER

(toLUCILLIUS)Yield,orthoudiest.

(toLUCILLIUS)Surrenderoryouwilldie.

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

OnlyIyieldtodie.

Idratherdie.Hereissomemoneyforyoutokillme

Thereissomuchthatthouwiltkillmestraight.

immediately.KillBrutusandbehonoredbythekilling.

KillBrutus,andbehonoredinhisdeath.

15

FIRSTSOLDIER

FIRSTSOLDIER

Wemustnot.Anobleprisoner!

Wemustnot.Heisanobleprisoner!

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EnterANTONY

ANTONYenters.

SECONDSOLDIER

SECONDSOLDIER

Room,ho!TellAntonyBrutusista'en.

Makeroom!TellAntonythatBrutushasbeentaken.

FIRSTSOLDIER

FIRSTSOLDIER

Illtellthenews.Herecomesthegeneral.

Illtellhimthenews.Oh,herecomesthegeneralBrutushas

Brutusista'en,Brutusista'en,mylord.

beencaught,Brutusistaken,mylord.

ANTONY

ANTONY

Whereishe?

Whereishe?

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

Safe,Antony.Brutusissafeenough.

Hessafe,Antony.Icanassureyouthatnoenemywillever

Idareassuretheethatnoenemy

takethenobleBrutusalive.Thegodsprotecthimfromsogreat

ShallevertakealivethenobleBrutus.

ashame!Whenyoudofindhim,aliveordead,hellbefoundon

Thegodsdefendhimfromsogreatashame!

hisownterms.

Whenyoudofindhim,oraliveordead,
25

30

HewillbefoundlikeBrutus,likehimself.

ANTONY

ANTONY

(toSOLDIERS)ThisisnotBrutus,friend,but,Iassureyou,

(toSOLDIERS)ThisisntBrutus,friend,but,Iassureyou,heis

Aprizenolessinworth.Keepthismansafe.

avaluableprize.Keepthismansafe.Bekindtohim.Iwould

Givehimallkindness.Ihadratherhave

ratherhavesuchmenasfriendsthanenemies.Moveon,find

Suchmenmyfriendsthanenemies.Goon,

outifBrutusisaliveordead,thenreturntoOctaviusstentto

AndseewhetherBrutusbealiveordead.

telluswhatyouvelearned.

AndbringusworduntoOctavius'tent
Howeverythingischanced.

Exeuntseverally

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

EnterBRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS

BRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS
enter.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Come,poorremainsoffriends,restonthisrock.

Come,lastofmyfriends,restonthisrock.

CLITUS

CLITUS

Statiliusshowedthetorchlightbut,mylord,

Statiliuswavedthetorchlightatus,buthehasntcomeback.

Hecamenotback.Heisorta'enorslain.

Hesbeencapturedorkilled.

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BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Sittheedown,Clitus.Slayingistheword.

Sitdown,Clitus.Killed,mostlikelyitsbecomeatrend.Listen,

Itisadeedinfashion.Harkthee,Clitus.

Clitus.(hewhisperstoCLITUS)

(whisperstoCLITUS)

10

15

55

CLITUS

CLITUS

What,I,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.

Who,me,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Peacethen!Nowords.

Silence,then!Dontgiveitaway.

CLITUS

CLITUS

Illratherkillmyself.

Idratherkillmyself.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Harkthee,Dardanius.

Listen,Dardanius.(hewhisperstoDARDANIUS)

(whisperstoDARDANIUS)

DARDANIUS

DARDANIUS

ShallIdosuchadeed?

WouldIdaredosomethinglikethat?

CLITUS

CLITUS

ODardanius!

OhDardanius!

DARDANIUS

DARDANIUS

OClitus!

OhClitus!

CLITUS

CLITUS

(asidetoDARDANIUS)

(speakingsothatonlyDARDANIUScanhear)Whatawfulthing

WhatillrequestdidBrutusmaketothee?

didBrutusaskofyou?

DARDANIUS

DARDANIUS

(asidetoCLITUS)

(speakingsothatonlyCLITUScanhear)Tokillhim,Clitus.

Tokillhim,Clitus.Look,hemeditates.

Look,hesmeditatingonwhattodo.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

Farewell,goodStrato.

Farewell,goodStrato.(runsonhissword)Caesar,youcanrest

(runsonhissword)Caesar,nowbe
Ikillednottheewithhalfsogoodawill.
(dies)

still.

now.Ididntkillyouhalfaswillingly.(hedies)

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89

Alarum.Retreat.EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,MESSALA,LUCILLIUS,and

Soundsofbattle.Trumpetssoundaretreat.OCTAVIUS,

thearmy

ANTONY,MESSALA,andLUCILLIUSenterwiththearmy.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Whatmanisthat?

Whatmanisthat?

MESSALA

MESSALA

Mymastersman.Strato,whereisthymaster?

Mymastersman.Strato,wheresyourmaster?

STRATO

STRATO

Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala.

Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala.Theconquerors

Theconquerorscanbutmakeafireofhim.

canonlymakeafireofhim,becauseonlyBrutustriumphed

ForBrutusonlyovercamehimself,

overhimself,andnoothermangetstotriumphinhisdeath.

Andnomanelsehathhonorbyhisdeath.

65

70

LUCILLIUS

LUCILLIUS

SoBrutusshouldbefound.Ithankthee,Brutus,

ItsfittingthatBrutusbefoundlikethis.Thankyou,Brutus,for

ThatthouhastprovedLucillius'sayingtrue.

provingmypredictiontrue.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

AllthatservedBrutus,Iwillentertainthem.

IlltakeallwhoservedBrutusintomyservice.You,willyoujoin

Fellow,wiltthoubestowthytimewithme?

withme?

STRATO

STRATO

Ay,ifMessalawillprefermetoyou.

Yes,ifMessalarecommendsmetoyou.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Doso,goodMessala.

Doso,goodMessala.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Howdiedmymaster,Strato?

Howdidmymasterdie,Strato?

STRATO

STRATO

Iheldtheswordandhedidrunonit.

Iheldtheswordandheranonit.

MESSALA

MESSALA

Octavius,thentakehimtofollowthee,

Thentakethismanintoyourservice,Octavius,forhedidthe

Thatdidthelatestservicetomymaster.

finalservicetomymaster.

ANTONY

ANTONY

ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.

ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.Alltherestofthe

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90

Alltheconspiratorssaveonlyhe

conspiratorsactedoutofjealousyofgreatCaesar.Onlyhe

DidthattheydidinenvyofgreatCaesar.

actedfromhonestyandforthegeneralgood.Hislifewas

Heonlyinageneralhonestthought

gentle,andtheelementsmixedsowellinhimthatNaturemight

Andcommongoodtoall,madeoneofthem.

standupandsaytoalltheworld,Thiswasaman.

Hislifewasgentle,andtheelements
SomixedinhimthatNaturemightstandup
80

85

Andsaytoalltheworld,Thiswasaman.

OCTAVIUS

OCTAVIUS

Accordingtohisvirtueletususehim,

Letstreathimaccordingtohisvirtue,withalltherespectand

Withallrespectandritesofburial.

ritualsofburial.Hisbodywilllieinmytenttonight,withthe

Withinmytenthisbonestonightshalllie

honorableobservancethatsuitsasoldier.Soorderthearmies

Mostlikeasoldier,orderedhonorably.

torest,andletsgohometosharethegloriesofthishappyday.

Socallthefieldtorest,andletsaway
Topartthegloriesofthishappyday.

Exeuntomnes

Everyoneexits.

Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011.
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar